Exertis UK falls into administration after private equity sale and trading squeeze

Exertis (UK) Limited, the technology distributor acquired by AURELIUS from DCC last year, has entered administration after months of vendor losses, restructuring moves and staff reductions.

Martin Armstrong and Andrew Bailey of Turpin Barker Armstrong, along with James Hopkirk of Kreston Reeves, were appointed joint administrators of Exertis on 29 May. The appointment marks the formal insolvency of a business that had once been one of the UK’s largest technology distribution platforms. Exertis UK reported revenue of about £1.4 billion in the year ended March 31, 2025, according to trade reports, but had been under pressure after DCC agreed in July 2025 to sell its UK and Ireland Info Tech arm, known as Exertis, to AURELIUS.

The sale was followed by a sharp deterioration in the company’s operating position, with industry reports pointing to reduced credit support, lost vendors and a major downsizing programme. Exertis UK announced plans in December to cut headcount substantially, completed a consultation process in January, and then moved through further reductions and business exits in the following months.

The administrators have not yet revealed their recovery strategy, but said they are assessing the company’s affairs and working with the remaining management team and employees to manage the administration process.