IT distributors are looking to increase their presence in the mobile distribution market, with recent acquisition interest in Unique Distribution and Portix. Several IT distributors have been picking over the bones of Unique Distribution, while IT distributor Micro Peripherals bought smartphone distributor Portix last week. With the boundaries between mobile handsets and portable computers becoming increasingly blurred, the lines separating distributors are also becoming more fluid. The accountant appointed by HM Revenue and Customs to oversee the sale of Unique Distribution confirmed that IT distributor Computer 2000 was the first company to bid for elements of Unique. Unique’s commercial director, David Hinc, said that Computer 2000 had bid for Unique’s intellectual property rights, including the brand name, the website and telephone lines. Hinc added: ‘The interest shown in Unique has been driven by IT companies.’ Mobile understands that the trade IT distributor has already bid £150,000. No-one from Computer 2000 was available for comment as Mobile went to press. The news comes as mobile distributors such as Avenir step up their efforts to occupy space traditionally held by IT distributors. Last week, IT distributor Micro Peripherals, also known as Micro-P, bought trade-only mobile handset and airtime distributor Portix from eXpansys in a £1.15m cash deal. Mike Alden, managing director of Micro-P, said: ‘This is an important acquisition in the growth of the Micro-P business and will further strengthen our existing portfolio to our expanding customer base.’ Portix general manager Steve Jones said: ‘The knowledge and competencies provided by Micro-P and the continuation of the existing Portix team will ensure our present resellers receive an enhanced level of expertise and services, while allowing us to reach a wider customer base.’ Roger Butterworth, CEO of online wireless technology retailer eXpansys, said: ‘We are very keen to focus our efforts on developing our ecommerce space. This deal works out perfectly for all involved.’ Portix had generated a £379,000 profit, with total net assets relating to the business of £75,000 by 30 April 2007. The cash generated from the sale of Portix will provide additional working capital for eXpansys’ core ecommerce businesses.