The two businesses had previously been working together to launch United’s HQueue managed print programme, which is aimed at SMB end-users.
This comes as the second recent development towards IT services by United, who acquired technology solutions company MBS Dev in March.
Douglas Nash, Vice President & General Manager, United Stationers Technology Solutions and Services said: “Deepening our relationship with NER was a logical next step considering the synergies of our two companies.
“We have a best-in-class logistical supply chain platform for printer imaging supplies, strong vendor relationships, and a diverse customer base of loyal resellers. NER’s MPS software, service network and parts platform for small and medium businesses, along with its infrastructure optimization solutions for larger data centres, is a great compliment to United Stationers’ core strengths.”
NER itself has been busy restructuring itself over the past year to focus on MPS and data solutions. The end of last year saw it selling its imaging supplies and printer parts units to Clover Technologies Group, as well as collaborating with HP over MPS infrastructure.
In an open letter to NER’s business partners, President Stephen Oatway explained the company’s new “laser sharp” focus on MPS and IT solutions.
“In our Managed Print Services business through both the HP relationship and the United Stationers announcement we have built our channel strategy components with different support structures based on customer need.
“For example, United Stationers will be focusing on the small to midsize customer base in supporting their IDC and Azerty channels while NER is specifically focusing on Hybrid VAR’s through our HP relationship. We want our customers to have the greatest chance for success and believe these relationships will help both NER and our Reseller partners grow exponentially.”