Strategic move to expand footprint across region.

 

Complete Office Supplies’ acquisition of major North Queensland-based dealer Tosco Business & Education, comes just over a year since the Sydney-based supplier entered the Townsville market.

 

“You may remember that COS successfully launched in Townsville in 2023 and the purchase of Tosco allows us to continue to expand our commitment to businesses, schools and childcare centres, government departments and hospitals across these regions,“ Belinda Lyone, co-CEO of COS, told Office Products News.

 

“This (acquisition) enables COS to enter the managed print services category,” she added. 

 

“Over many years we have admired the Tosco business and what they have been able to achieve throughout the north, far north, central and island communities from their Cairns and Townsville bases. 

 

“The current owners Stephen and Judy Gardiner are ready to embark on their well-deserved retirement and COS are honoured to continue Tosco’s growth and success and we have proudly committed to offer employment to all Tosco employees.,” Lyone said.

 

“Schools and businesses in North Queensland and Far North Queensland will be delighted that COS is a clear locally-owned and operated alternative, with significant buying influence to deliver competitive prices, a larger product range, world class website, and a leadership team that is passionate about service excellence, she said.  

 

For many years trading as Tosco Office National, the company rebranded earlier this year  as Tosco Business & Education.

 

The dealer jumped ship from Office Brands last year and joined compact dealer group ASA Australia in October.

 

Here is the full statement to suppliers on 2 September:

 

Effective 1st October 2024, the business of Tosco Business & Education will be sold to Complete Office Supplies (COS).  

 

The decision to sell Tosco comes as the current owners Stephen & Judy are ready to embark on their well-deserved retirement. They have built an incredible legacy, and COS are honoured to continue Tosco’s growth and success. This acquisition represents a strategic move for COS to expand their footprint in Northern Queensland, after successfully entering Townsville in 2023 as well as enter the Managed Print category capitalizing on the synergies between our two companies. COS have proudly committed to offer employment to all Tosco employees.

 

Blending COS and Tosco business and teams, will deliver synergies that will benefit business and school buyers. Schools and Businesses in North Queensland & Far North Queensland will be delighted that COS is a clear locally owned and operated alternative, with significant buying influence to deliver competitive prices, a larger product range, world class website, and a leadership team that is passionate about “Service Excellence”.  Together, we provide a compelling value proposition that is going to be hard to beat. 

 

For COS and Tosco suppliers, it’s business as usual until the 1st October, 2024. You will continue to receive purchase orders from both COS and Tosco during September. Please follow the instructions of the purchase order closely.  From 1st October suppliers will no longer receive purchase orders from Tosco and will start to receive purchase orders from COS for both Townsville and Cairns delivery. 

 

Your COS and Tosco key contact person will be in touch with you in the coming weeks to discuss ongoing trading arrangements.