What next for B2B biz as DSGi brand kicked into touch?

DSG International is no more after the proposed name change to Dixons Retail was overwhelmingly voted in by shareholders.

At yesterday's annual general meeting (AGM), all proposed resolutions were passed including the re-appointment to the board of chief executive John Browett, chairman John Allan and FD Nicolas Cadbury.

The back to roots rebranding - approved by 97.74% of shareholders - was first revealed earlier this summer and designed to identify the group's core market focus.

At the time a spokesman at the retailer said "Dixons is an iconic brand....we wanted a simple solution" but insisted this did not signify a change in corporate direction and a precursor to the sale of the B2B operations.

There were rumours a year ago that Systemax were doing due diligence on DSGi Business, comprising PC World Business, Equanet and online brands but all has subsequently gone quiet on that front.

Phil Birkbeck took control of the business at the start of the year - following the departure of Jerry Roest in 2008 and interim bosses Martin Dorchester and James Walsh - but its commercial operations have not yet recovered. 

Dixons' reseller businesses are already a shadow of their former self and long term it is unlikely that they will remain within the group,

However with the exit of many of the B2B veterans and resellers noting a decline in competitive tenders situations against DSGi Business, who will give the business' bosses and its shareholders a return they'd approve?