In a significant move towards global expansion, Infinigate Group, a leading Value-Added Distributor (VAD) in cybersecurity, today announced its merger with Starlink, the dominant VAD in cybersecurity, secure cloud, and secure networking across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
This merger marks Infinigate’s latest strategic step following its acquisition announcements in July (Nuvias Group) and August (Vuzion cloud service provider). The combined entity boasts an impressive geographical footprint, extending Infinigate Group’s reach to over 50 countries with offices in more than 30.
A Force in EMEA
The merger solidifies Infinigate’s position as a full-fledged cybersecurity and cloud powerhouse within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. With a projected workforce exceeding 1,100, the joint venture is poised to deliver exceptional value to both vendors and resellers. The combined group’s estimated total turnover for 2023 is projected to reach €2.2 billion.
Founded in 2005, Starlink has established itself as the fastest-growing and largest specialized cybersecurity and cloud VAD in the MEA region. They boast a $500 million annual revenue with a projected 20% year-on-year growth rate. In the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, Starlink reigns supreme as the leading cybersecurity distributor, capturing over 20% of the market share. With a team exceeding 300 employees across 11 MEA countries, Starlink supports a portfolio of 60 vendors, including industry leaders, and serves over 1,500 resellers.
“Merging with Starlink allows us to offer an unparalleled geographical reach and comprehensive technical expertise to our partners,” said Infinigate Group CEO Klaus Schlichtherle. “This strategic move significantly bolsters our journey towards becoming a global leader.”
Nidal Othman, CEO of Starlink, echoed this sentiment:
“We are thrilled to join forces with Infinigate. Our combined expertise and market leadership across SMB and enterprise sectors create a powerhouse for the future.”
Infinigate and Starlink have complementary vendor portfolios, presenting an opportunity for their respective vendors to expand their market reach. Following the merger, Starlink will operate under the Infinigate Group banner. Starlink’s co-founders will retain their stake in the company, with Nidal Othman assuming the role of CEO for Infinigate’s MEA region and contributing to global vendor portfolio development. Mahmoud Nimer will become President of the MEA region. Both will report to Infinigate Group CEO Klaus Schlichtherle.
This merger signifies a major step forward for Infinigate as they solidify their position as a global leader in cybersecurity and cloud solutions. By combining their strengths and expertise, Infinigate and Starlink are poised to deliver unparalleled value to their vendors, resellers, and customers worldwide.
