#2: Surprise!: Avant Buys PlanetOne

In perhaps the biggest blockbuster acquisition of the year so far in the traditional telecom channel, technology services distributor Avant Communications announced the purchase of rival PlanetOne.

“The acquisition of PlanetOne is an instant multiplier for the people, partners and providers working with and for Avant and PlanetOne,” said Avant CEO Ian Keininger.

PlanetOne founder and CEO Ted Schuman joins Avant as chief experience officer.

We covered this story in depth, including a sit-down with top execs, partner reaction and a look at what consolidation among tech services brokerages means for vendors they work with.