G.LOOMIS REVEALS NEW EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION PLANS

EFTTA member Shimano Europe Fishing Holding BV will represent U.S. brand


G.Loomis, the premier U.S. rod manufacturer, has announced a major change to their distribution system - after appointing Shimano Europe Fishing Holding BV to assume all its sales distribution and marketing responsibilities in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Under the direction of EFTTA board member Pierangelo Zanetta, the new distribution arrangement comes into effect on December 1.

For the past twenty-plus years, G. Loomis has been represented in the European market by separate and independent regional distributors.

Bruce Holt, Executive Director for the U.S. firm said: "We have experienced major sales growth in Europe over the past four or five years and felt it was time to move to the next level.

"Shimano Europe Fishing Holding was also looking to increase their presence in the fly market as well as specialty cast and spin categories - and we saw the opportunity to work together to grow our business. Since we are owned by Shimano, it seemed like an excellent solution for our European customers and it will allow us to keep our business within the Shimano family."

Holt added: "It was very difficult for us to come to this decision as we have developed some very loyal and long-term relationships with customers in certain areas. We know and understand how important these relationships are, but sometimes change must occur for the good of the company, as well as the market."

Shimano Europe Fishing Holding, with its' headquarters in Nunspeet, the Netherlands, will handle all aspects of warranty, marketing and sales support for the European market, as well as assisting in new product development.


The G.Loomis Europe team is currently working hard to establish the necessary infrastructure to support this highly esteemed brand, details of which will be announced shortly.

It is clear already, however, that marketing activity relating to the G.Loomis brand in Europe is set to increase dramatically under the new arrangement, with a pan-European catalogue planned for December '07, followed by a new multi-language website.


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