20:20 Logistics to distribute 200 000 Benefon devices — MobileMonday Global: Industry News

^{Exclusive UK distributor} 20:20 Logistics to distribute 200 000 Benefon devices

19 Oct 2005 at 04:43 GMT Timo Poropudas

Benefon Oyj has signed an exclusive distribution deal with the UK’s biggest distributor, 20:20 Logistics, part of the Caudwell Group of companies which includes Dextra Solutions and Phones4U.

The agreement will allow 20:20 to distribute Benefon products and services to operators, retail outlets and large corporate users throughout the UK and Ireland.

Benefon, a developer of an integrated GSM / GPS mobile device, produces a telematics system that delivers navigation and location services that truly responds to the increasing demand for personal navigation, without the need for additional GPS hardware.

“This is a major milestone in our overall strategy to leverage our 16 years experience in navigation and location based solutions”, states Brian Katzen, Chairman of Benefon.

“Our initial strategy called for aggressive penetration into the UK and China, and thereafter mainland Europe and the US, so we are on track!”

20:20 is looking to further expand its position in the UK mobile market by becoming the leading distributor in the fast growing mobile navigation sector.

“We expect to distribute over 200,000 units in the first twelve months”, says Rod Millar, Managing Director of 20:20 Logistics.

The volumes that 20:20 promises are enough to increase Benefon’s revenue 25-50 percent, confirms Jonathan Bate, new CEO of Benefon. According to him Benefon is in negotiations with several other large distributors. He expects to be able to announce in 3 to 6 month several agreements, some even potentially larger than 20:20 deal.

Bate emphasizes that even if Benefon’s yet to be revealed navigation device is fully ledged GSM-GPRS phone besides being a GPS navigator, the company does not compete in with mobile phones. It is aimed at rapidly growing navigation market.

The initial delivery to 20:20 is 10 000 navigation devices.

20:20 will provide a total sales fulfilment solution covering; warehousing and logistics, inventory management coupled with next day delivery.