Ingram Micro managed to squeeze a drop more efficiency out of IT distribution in mature markets last year, but Asia and South America needed no persuassion to give.

Profits for the year increased a mere $3m and came it at $216m overall. That was on a mind-blowing $28.81bn of sales.

Overall, sales increased only a little over $3bn. Little growth is seen in Western markets, where it appears the behemoth has already feasted on about as much as the market will give.

American and European growth were 4 and 1 per cent respectively. In Asia and South America sales grew 27 and 25 per cent respectively. Still not increases of the sort seen in the consolidating late 90s, but they must provide some relief all the same.®