South Africa's Datatec Acquires Slovenia Cybersecurity Distributor Real Security To Expand Balkans Reach

Datatec Ltd. said its Westcon Comstor unit has acquired Real Security, a Slovenia based cybersecurity distributor, in a deal that expands the companys footprint into the Balkans and adds what it called a high growth regional platform. The South African listed technology group said the acquisition became effective Jan. 27 after conditions were met. Datatec did not disclose the purchase price in the announcement, which it described as voluntary. Real Security is headquartered in Maribor and was founded in 2002, Datatec said. The distributor operates across a wide swath of Southeast Europe, including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia. Datatec said Real Security connects cybersecurity vendors with channel partners such as value added resellers, managed service providers and managed security service providers. The company is also known in the region for hosting the annual RISK cybersecurity conference, according to Datatec. The transaction gives Westcon Comstor a strategic foothold in the Balkans, a market Datatec described as attractive and expanding, as governments and businesses face rising pressure to harden networks against ransomware, data theft and disruption. Datatec said it expects the combination of Real Securitys local presence and Westcon Comstors scale to support faster growth and broaden partner success. Jens Montanana, Datatecs chief executive officer, said the target has built a strong distribution platform underpinned by technical expertise and deep relationships across the channel. This acquisition strengthens Westcon Comstors presence in an attractive, fast growing market and advances Datatecs strategy of investing behind specialist distribution capabilities that help vendors and partners to scale, he said. Datatecs Westcon Comstor business sits in the middle of the cybersecurity supply chain, helping vendors reach customers through resellers and service providers that install, manage and secure systems. That role can become more valuable as clients look for bundled services and local support, especially in regions where buying decisions still lean heavily on trusted partners. Real Securitys regional network could also help Westcon Comstor bring newer cybersecurity products into markets that are often served by smaller, country specific distributors. Datatec said Real Security has strong partner and vendor relationships, suggesting a base of contracts and technical capacity that can be expanded rather than rebuilt. The company said the announcement was made voluntarily because the acquisition does not meet JSE thresholds that would require shareholder approval under listing rules. Datatecs sponsor on the JSE is Pallidus Exchange Services Proprietary Ltd., the statement said. Datatec did not provide financial details for Real Security or outline integration timelines. The company said only that the deal adds proven local capability and expands its European reach at a time when cybersecurity distribution is becoming more specialized and more competitive.