Intel, the world’s largest chipmaker, has signed a regional distribution agreement with EMPA Middle East FZCO, based in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone. EMPA Middle East FZCO will now represent Intel in 18 countries across the Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet Union.
Formerly the Middle East division of the Turkish-based international computer parts distributor EMPA International, the re-launched entity has resulted from a buyout by US and regional investors, but will retain the former name of EMPA Middle East FZCO. All links with its previous Istanbul-based parent have been severed.
Although EMPA International had been a regional distributor for Intel since the mid-80s, and has been distributing the whole family of Intel’s Pentium processors, the chipmaker has signed a fresh agreement with the new Jebel Ali based company.
The distribution agreement includes all of Intel’s products including Intel Pentium 4 processors, Intel Xeon processors, Intel Celeron processors, motherboards, server components and networking products.
“This agreement will boost our distribution base, in line with the growth we have witnessed in the region. Our decision to appoint the new EMPA as Intel’s distributor is based on our relationship with the new owners and our long-standing relationship with the existing management,” said Gilbert Lacroix, Intel’s general manager, Middle East and Africa.
“Intel has become the first multinational to appoint the new company as a regional distributor and we could ask for no better endorsement of our capabilities. With Intel leading the way, we are confident that other multinationals will soon follow suit,” commented Rahb Hamidaddin, general manager of EMPA Middle East FZCO. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
