The continuation of two mega-deals (SAP & HP) this quarter is remarkable, despite the difficult times in which we now find ourselves where as effect a substantial reduction in the number of transactions has taken place. The fact remains however that especially in the beginning of Q4 market dynamics where still very much in motion.

After working together succesfully on several projects this year we are proud to announce Andy Rooswinkel as the new associate partner and dealmaker with team CIC. 

Andy Rooswinkel (49) studied Business Economics and started as a trainer of accounting software at Compu’Train B.V. in the Netherlands. Andy than moved to the ERP vendor Unit 4 Software B.V.  First  active in channel sales followed by chairing the SMB division. Few years later promoted to the management board. Andy was responsible for worldwide alliances; product management; marketing and co-responsible for mergers and acquisitions. Part of Andy's track record includes his contribution to a very successful IPO and various acquisitions thereafter including post acquisition activities.

The annual Gartner ITxpo symposium has started this week in Barcelona. Gartner reported that worldwide security services spending is on pace to reach 35.1 billion dollars in 2011. More and more organizations prefer to take up IT security as a service. Gartner expects sales in IT security will grow to over 49 billion dollars in 2015.

This quarter was marked by increasing uncertainty in the merger and acquisition market by the Euro crisis and the economic / fiscal problems in the U.S. Still a few surprising planned mega deals, but larger and medium-sized deals are postponed. Smaller acquisitions however with a solid strategic focus on growth have been undiminished.