Having been to PlanetX (I have a "build-a-bike" - see earlier threads) I have to say it's a strange but interesting business model - it's clearly built on a) direct volume buying, possibly re-badged factory over-runs, and b) spot purchase "cents on the dollar" for over/redundant/old model stock from factories and or bust businesses - as well as a number on own-brands (Holdsworth, OnOne, Carnac, Jobsworth etc.)
Current PlanetX bike ranges seem to have very few Shimano equipped models (mine - I built it in August 19 - is Ultegra), a strong focus on SRAM. That may have something to do with Shimano trying to tighten up disocunting and distribution which I heard about from a Madison rep about 6 or 7 months ago - Madison is the UK trade distributor for Shimano BUT their elite dealer trade prices are significantly undercut at retail by Chain Reaction/Wiggle and others. IIRC Shimano has stopped CRC selling Shimano in some territories, notably the US.
.... and my machine - limited use so far but pretty pleased with it . . . but then it was built by a skilled mechanic
How the business will fare with Dave Loughran stepping back and having the employee-owned set up will be interesting to see.
Rob