BRIGHTSTAR EUROPE ACCELERATES CONVERGENCE INTO UK’S LEADING WIRELESS RETAIL CHAIN
Company Signs Supply Agreement with Phones 4u
July 21, 2008 – Basingstoke – Brightstar Europe has signed an agreement with Phones 4u to provide the mobile phone retailer with leading brand-name laptop PCs and accessories for resale in its 440 plus stores nationwide.
The agreement will enable Phones 4u to expand the range of leading-brand notebook computers and accessories that it offers to customers in store and provide buyers with even more choice through its on-line shop. In addition, Phones 4u will use the agreement to extend the number of special product bundles for customers who want to take advantage of the latest mobile broadband and Wi-Fi technologies.
Phones 4u will benefit from Brightstar Europe’s superior stock availability and advanced logistics, as well as first-class order management and competitive pricing. Brightstar Europe was established in 2007 to meet the expanding needs of mobile phone dealers and retailers for next-generation products and distribution services. The company is a joint venture between two of the world’s largest hi-tech distribution companies, Brightstar Corp and Tech Data Corporation, and has rapidly become established as a leader in delivering next generation distribution for mobile and IT devices in Europe. It represents leading manufacturers and also provides customers with access to a wide range of IT products through Tech Data’s UK and European operations.
In addition, Brightstar Europe is able to call on the unrivalled resources of Tech Data Europe, including its 500,000 square-foot state-of-the-art logistics centre, which is located at Magna Park near Lutterworth. This facility has the capability to stock 11,000 stock lines and process 4,500 customer orders and 35,000 items every day.
Jim Slater, Phones 4u Marketing Director, said, “The agreement with Brightstar Europe gives Phones 4u direct access to the full range of laptop PCs and accessories from all the leading brand manufacturers, including HP, Toshiba, Sony and Acer. It means that we will be able to offer our customers a tremendous choice of products – from high-quality ‘lifestyle’ notebooks that are ideal for portable entertainment, to systems that combine great performance and value to meet the needs of mobile workers, students or anyone who wants to stay in touch or surf the Internet while they are on the move.”
Richard Baxendale, UK Managing Director of Brightstar Europe, commented that the company is looking forward to helping Phones 4u meet the growing demand for complete mobility solutions as mobile broadband and Wi-Fi are now very easy, effective and affordable for everyone. “Phones 4u is leading the way in opening up the possibilities of always-on mobile Internet and messaging to its customers. This agreement with Brightstar Europe will enable Phones 4u to offer the widest range of options for mobile data from all the leading PC manufacturers. We’re delighted to have formed this partnership with one of the UK’s leading phone retailers and are looking forward to working with Phones 4u to deliver the best solutions and services to their customers.”
About Brightstar Europe
Brightstar Europe is a joint venture between Tech Data Corporation and Brightstar Corp. The company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has access to sales offices in 16 countries and nine logistics centres throughout the continent. It is already distributing mobile phones and other wireless devices to a variety of customers including mobile operators, dealers, agents, retailers and e-tailers throughout Europe.
About Brightstar
Brightstar Corp. is a global leader in customized distribution and supply chain solutions for the wireless industry. With global headquarters in Miami, FL, Brightstar operates sales, distribution and manufacturing facilities in 50 countries on six continents, giving it the largest global reach for its customers. Recently, Brightstar was named a Global Growth Company by the World Economic Forum, an exclusive list of 142 companies recognized for being visionary and fast growing businesses that have exceptional executive leadership and redefining their respective industries. The company provides solutions to more than 30,000, network operators, MVNOs, retailers, resellers, and independent agents around the world, and also represents the world’s leading wireless manufacturers. The company exceeded $4.8 billion in gross revenues in 2007. For more information, visit http://www.brightstarcorp.com.
About Tech Data
Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ GS: TECD) is one of the world’s largest distributors of technology products from leading IT hardware and software producers. Tech Data serves more than 100,000 customers in over 100 countries. Every day, these value-added resellers depend on Tech Data to cost-effectively support the technology needs of end users, ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 105th on the FORTUNE 500®, Tech Data generated $23.4 billion in net sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2008. To learn more, visit http://www.techdata.com.
About Phones 4u
Phones 4u is an independent mobile retailer selling all networks and handset manufacturers’ products. The company was awarded “Best Retailer” at the 2008 Mobile Industry Awards. It is part of the Staffordshire-based 4u Group, and the Group CEO is Tim Whiting. Leading the way in the mobile industry through its excellent customer service, innovative advertising and differentiated in-store experience, Phones 4u has over 445 stores and is still rapidly growing. Phones 4u recognizes that buying a new phone can be a complex and confusing affair. Phones 4u cuts through this confusion with its unique consumer consultation process, resulting in accurate, impartial advice and a package that is right for each customer. As a result it sells more new contracts than anyone else on the High Street.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Brightstar Europe & Tech Data Europe:
Nigel Judd
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Tel: +351 917204492
Brightstar
Michele M. Merrell
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+1.305.921.1484