Shimano announces joint venture to handle South East Europe sales
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Shimano Europe BV has established a joint venture with the company that has been selling its bicycle components for almost 30 years and which will now see it take over sales of its fishing tackle in South East Europe.
Greece-based Nikos Maniatopoulos S.A. (NMSA) will start operating as Shimano South-East Europe and will handle all sales, marketing, service and logistics for Shimano’s fishing gear and bicycle components. The latter are currently handled by the Eurotrade subsidiaries of NMSA.
The countries involved are: Greece and Cyprus (bicycle components only), Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Romania and Moldova.
Mark van Rooij, President of Shimano Europe, said: “We are happy to announce this joint venture with NMSA. Shimano has grown enormously in recent years and the demand for our products is increasing every year.
“In order to be able to meet the continuously changing requirements of our customers and to grow further, this joint venture is a great opportunity for both parties to further develop our sales, marketing and services in the South East European markets. I am more than confident that this agreement will contribute positively to this challenge.”
Angelo Maniatopoulos, CEO of NMSA added: The joint venture with Shimano Europe is the natural step into the future after almost 30 years as its bike components independent distributor. Our company, in close cooperation and coordination with Shimano Europe, has established a network of five Eurotrade subsidiaries aimed at delivering the best-possible Shimano distribution in the region.
“This project has now matured and is ready to elevate to the next stage of service for our customers and experiences for our end consumers.”
Both companies are currently working hard to integrate the fishing tackle business into the new joint venture. This integration is planned be ready to start on April 1st this year. Fishing tackle retailers in the area are being approached individually to get on board the new organisation.