2. Tech Data Acquires Avnet Technology Solutions

Head count: 6,200 employees

Annual sales: $9.65 billion

Purchase price: $2.6 billion

Deal closed: Feb. 27

Tech Data's acquisition of Avnet Technology Solutions boosted the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor's share of overall revenue coming from the data center from just 29 percent to 45 percent while more than doubling non-GAAP operating income after cost savings.

The post-acquisition Tech Data has more than 14,000 employees in 40 countries serving some 115,000 customers in more than 100 countries. Following the departure of TS, Avnet is now a pure-play semiconductor distributor.

Avnet TS partners hoped they can unlock access to a broader line card as part of Tech Data while still maintaining a relationship with their key existing pre-sales and marketing contacts. The deal also, for the first time, gives Tech Data a presence in the Asia-Pacific region.