MSP's urged to
make AI happen

Focus on 77% of revenues
coming from current users

AI could represent the biggest opportunity the channel has seen in at least a generation, but Managed Service Providers (MSPs) "will need to move rapidly towards practical implementation" according to new The Channel Company research presented at CRN UK’s XChange MSP. We analyse the presentation here, first...

Brady's buy/sell
cycle accelerates

Dilutes safety commitment?

Intros no-waste label printer

After Brady Corp sold its French health care business last week to focus on identification and productivity solutions it raised the question of why it would exit a growing market? Meanwhile, its innovation progress was maintained in its core capabilities. Full story here, first...

Old, Pointless,
Insular event?

OPI Europe Forum agenda:
'Network party on Titanic'?

As usual OPI Forum has assembled an impressive cast of speakers in London. However, the agenda should be a concern, given there is no space allocated for progressive exponent, case studies in the broadline market of hygiene, foodservice, hospitality, packaging and medical supplies. It feels like a networking 'Party on the Titanic' rather than a 'Reinvention Roadmap'? Full preview analysis here, first...updated

Antalis acquires
OptiGroup's paper

Largest & 15th rollup raises
questions abt exit strategies?

Leading European paper and packaging merchant Antalis has agreed to acquire OptiGroup’s Papyrus paper-distribution operations across ten European markets. Is this consolidation a distraction from the market demand decline or a diversion from the organic revenue demise and exit strategies of both businesses. Full story here, first...

K-C coo wakes up
smells the Coffee

From Kenvue major merger
integration to another Peet's

Keurig Dr Pepper named Kimberly-Clark executive Russ Torres as ceo of ​its new $14Bn coffee combo Keurig & Peets which plans to go public next year. As a result K-C has reshuffled its leadership with executives promoted internally to integrate the planned Kenvue acquisition,$15Bn in revenues. Full story here, first...

Vulture Sycamore
stripping off Boots

Essendant dead. Staples sunk.
Walgreen Wasteland bound?

Vulture capitalist Sycamore Partners is in protracted talks with billionaire Weston retail family to strip out successful UK Chemist chain Boots from its Walgreen's ownership. Walgreen has lost most of its capital value since 2015 and looks like another casualty headed for the graveyard? Full story here, first...

F A I R Y Tale of NY
Wall St's AI Bubble? 

"Huge gap: $1Tn+ investment
v leaders' low revenues & ROI"

Tech leaders have invested about $1.5Tn in AI infrastructure mania...see Mark Zuckerberg's risky tax avoidance story here too. Leaders have spent more IT capital than ever. "The huge gap between CapEx and end user future revenue is not sustainable" opines Elevation's Roger McNamee. Full story here, first...updated

Will loser CloseBros,
close on EVO loan?

Restructuring cost cutter bank
may quit invoice fund facility?

Close Brothers the loss making bank hit by the motor finance scandal just published accounts to 31Jul'26. It's proclaiming restructuring, redundancy, slashing headcount as heavy losses continue. Given it is the primary source of funding for the lossmaking EVO Business Supplies group, will it decide to withdraw its facility? Full story here, first...

Network honors
Top Performers

Annual Awards for growth,
in contracts & partnerships

Network Distribution the leading international group of hygiene, foodservice and packaging providers honored members for outstanding achievements during its Annual Meeting in Charleston, SC. CEO Alan Tomblin said "honorees distinguished themselves, we are proud to celebrate their achievements”. Full story here, first...

EVOcative fears
of failure inflame

Narrowline. Bad svc levels.
No investment.17yrs losses

EVO Group the management owned OP distributor (inc.VOW, Banner, Staples, Complete, Exertis) reported 2025 financials 6mos later than usual. After 17yrs of decline: core sales halved, zero profits, poor service levels, little range development; the BIG persistent question is: how long will 'vulture' lenders tolerate poor performance from ceo Andrew Gale's team? Full analysis here, first...