German groups strengthen ties

German dealer group Büroring and retail services organisation EK are planning to establish a formal alliance.

In a statement, Büroring pointed to the successful cooperation between the two entities since 2014, notably in the area of central billing. Now, against a backdrop of continuing consolidation in the office supplies market, they have decided to “further develop and intensify” this cooperation in order to “sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of members”.

EK took a 75% stake in another German business products group, InterES, at the end of 2021, so it will be interesting to see what plans it has for this “alliance”. More details are expected to be provided ahead of Büroring’s annual meeting on 11 May.

Meanwhile, Büroring has confirmed that Ute Borgard has been drafted onto its management board on an interim basis. This follows the departure of Axel Hennemann at the end of last year.