Merisel Targets VARs and System Integrators with Full Line of GRiD Systems, Portables and Pen-Based Computers
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — September 16, 1992 — Merisel Inc. (NASDAQ:MSEL) Wednesday announced it has signed an agreement with GRiD Systems Corp. of Fremont, Calif.
Under terms of the agreement, Merisel will distribute GRiD's full line of personal computers and software including its desktop, tower and pen-based PCs, as well as its pen-based development software, PenRight!, to resellers throughout North America.
GRiD is the acknowledged leader in pen-based computing, manufacturing such products as the GRiDPAD, PalmPAD and GRiDPAD SL. The company also designs and markets a series of PC-compatible 386- and 486-based desktop computers for stand-alone and network environments. The contract between Merisel and GRiD designates Merisel as the only national distributor for GRiD'S desktop and non-pen PC products.
Merisel Vice President of Strategic Product Planning Linda Kroog said the distributor will market the GRiD product line as part of Merisel's product strategy to address the systems product needs of value-added resellers (VARs).
''We will focus our launch and recruiting activities around our unique systems product strategy and VAR initiative,'' Kroog said. ''These products are geared toward VARs and integrators who can support the entire GRiD platform. We have already identified many of these resellers who are prepared to support GRiD hardware, as well as those who are developing software for the new pen operating system.''
Merisel has in development promotions and bundles with third-party PC and pen software developers. The company will leverage its existing marketing programs, publications and on-line communications services to support the GRiD launch into the VAR channel. Incorporating the GRiD product line into Merisel's training and education services will serve as a key element of the campaign.
''We plan to use our comprehensive education efforts across the country to introduce our customers to the GRiD line,'' Kroog said. ''By using Merisel's existing marketing vehicles, like the Systems Edge newsletter and other publications, we can support the efforts of our dedicated outside VAR sales team to help launch this important line.''
''We have chosen to partner with GRiD as a manufacturer with a strong vision for the future and a commitment to success in the marketplace. Their leadership and brand name recognition will enable us to make a strong entrance in the pen market,'' Kroog added.
GRiD Vice President of Marketing Betsy Reagan said, ''We consider our relationship with Merisel critical to broadening the pen computer market. In addition, our strategic objective perfectly complements Merisel's business plan which is focused on the VAR channel.''
GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, pen-based, desktop and multimedia computers, pen-based software development tools, electronic mail and networking systems. GRiD, with an extensive direct sales and support organization, demonstrates products at 45 GRiD Systems Centers and sell products through value-added resellers and Federal systems integrators.
GRiD is located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, Calif. 94538. GRiD also has offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark.
GRiD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tandy Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Tandy is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers. A New York Stock Exchange company, Tandy has sales in excess of $4.5 billion annually.
Merisel is the world's largest publicly held distributor of microcomputer hardware and software products. The company presently stocks products from more than 700 manufactures for sale to 50,000 resellers worldwide. It currently maintains 20 distribution centers that serve North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia.
Merisel sells more than 10,000 products from manufacturers such as ALR, Apple, AST Research, Borland International, Compaq, Digital Equipment Corp., Hayes Microcomputer Products, IBM, Intel, Lotus Development, Microsoft, NEC Technologies, Novell, Okidata, Software Publishing Corp., Sun Microsystems, Symantec, WordPerfect and Wyse Technology and offers a range of services to support resellers with the sales of these products.
CONTACT:
Merisel Inc., Ed Segundo
Cathy Quattrocchi, 310/615-1230