Dallas – September 19, 2026 -- Softcat plc, a FTSE 250-listed UK IT infrastructure provider, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dallas-based GDT, creating a combined transatlantic technology solutions platform spanning North America, the UK and Ireland. The transaction is expected to close no later than the end of Q1 calendar year 2027, subject to customary regulatory filings and approvals.
Softcat targets North American scale after multi-year search
Softcat, ranked CRN's #1 VAR in the UK for three consecutive years, said the acquisition concludes a multi-year effort to find a North American partner with sufficient scale, technical depth and cultural fit to anchor its international growth strategy. Softcat Executive Director and CEO Graham Charlton said GDT met every benchmark the company sought, including established US enterprise customers, deep data center and networking expertise, and a customer-first culture matching Softcat's own.
GDT retains name, leadership and workforce as wholly owned subsidiary
GDT, a data center and networking solutions provider, will continue operating under its own brand and current leadership team following the deal. CEO Shawn O'Grady said the combination will let the company deliver a broader set of solutions, deeper resources and global reach while preserving the high-touch service model GDT customers expect.
Combined portfolio to cover full IT lifecycle from desktop to data center
The merger unites Softcat's focus on software licensing, hardware, cloud, cybersecurity, AI and workplace solutions with GDT's data center and networking specialization. The companies said this end-to-end suite will simplify sourcing and accelerate transformation projects for customers, while positioning the combined business to support the secure, connected infrastructure needed for AI workloads.
Both firms to expand GDT's Bangalore operations center
Softcat and GDT plan joint investment in GDT's Global Operations Center in Bangalore, expanding engineering expertise and business systems to deliver 24/7 service. The companies characterized this always-on support capability as increasingly critical for enterprise IT environments.
Deal driven by customer demand for North American reach
Charlton said Softcat's existing UK and Ireland customers had repeatedly requested support for technology requirements in North America, a gap GDT's acquisition is designed to close. The companies frame the transaction as creating growth opportunities in both organizations' existing markets alongside expanded international capacity.