1. Mass layoffs come to the channel
Despite the unforgiving market conditions, our industry has in recent times emerged from each year remarkably unscathed, nursing just one or two minor bumps and scrapes.
But 2025 looks more like motorway pile up, with Scottish MSSP Adarma and channel services provider Agilitas among the big names to hit the buffers (see here and here).
E-tailer Ebuyer is at least still operating as a brand after its assets were snapped up from administration by Frasers Group in August.
And then there is the heartbreaking – and currently unfolding – situation at Exertis UK, which is shaping up to be the channel’s biggest mass layoff event since at least 2e2 in 2013.
Having told customers of plans to downsize Exertis UK Business & Consumer and Supplies two weeks ago, management last week informed staff of proposals to cut headcount from around 1,200 to 130, according to our sources. The cuts come just a month after the closure of its acquisition by private equity house AURELIUS.
“The mood was utter shock and stunned silence across the business when we were told of the size of the business we would become,” one employee told us, talking under the condition of anonymity.
Staff at the distribution giant’s Business & Consumer and Supplies arms are currently in a minimum 45-day consultation process.
We wish all staff affected at all the above brands the best as we head into what we hope is a sunnier 2026.
