12 September, 2007
The growing reputation of Panda Security has received a huge boost following the announcement that Dixons Stores Group International (DSGI) is to stock its range of software throughout the UK and Europe and in the 27 countries that it serves online.
The deal, negotiated by Formjet plc, which markets, distributes and supports Panda products in the UK, means that Panda’s range of products, including the popular titles Panda Internet Security and Panda Anti-Virus, will be sold in up to 1400 stores, including PC World.
This is a breakthrough agreement for Panda, which will enable it to significantly strengthen its brand, profile and competitiveness. The size and scale of the deal highlights Panda’s strong credentials as one of the world’s leading suppliers of security software and provides a sizeable springboard for further sales growth.
Highlights:
- The full Panda home user and SME range of IT security software will be available from PC World and PC City stores
- Deal represents a significant breakthrough for Panda in traditional IT retailing
- Panda’s brand awareness boosted as agreement opens door for it to compete directly on the shop floor with security software rivals
- This further demonstrates Formjet’s ability to secure contracts with large blue chip companies following recent deals with Tesco, Woolworths and Jungle247
- There is now an opportunity to build relationships to sell other Formjet products through DSGI
The combination of increased shop floor and online presence throughout DSGI’s stores will significantly boost the Panda brand both domestically and internationally. By opening up such a large scale sales channel Panda is now strongly placed to vie with its competitors and further grow its customer base.
Importantly for Panda, PC World has previously restricted its security software range to competitors Norton and McAfee. The fact that it has opened its doors to Panda software highlights the strength of its software range as well as providing a significant new route to the market.
The Panda Security International model of local country partners was an important element of Panda UK gaining the contract, as it will be able to offer localised customer support from the country in which it is sold.
Ingram Micro will handle the Europe-wide distribution of Panda’s products to DSGI’s stores. They will also distribute other Formjet products.
David Johnson, Head of International Buying Software at DSGI, said: “Panda has proven award-winning technology and is a welcome addition, that helps broaden our range proposition.”
Simon Hallworth, sales director at Formjet, said: “We are delighted that Panda has won this order with such a high profile customer. DSGI will provide a high level of exposure for Panda’s products while this deal provides the perfect springboard to further grow the brand in the UK and internationally.
“At Formjet we will continue to focus on growing traditional sales routes for our premium products as well as growing our white label business. The fact that we have added yet another high profile blue-chip company to our client base highlights the continued momentum we are building at the company.”
For more information: http://www.formjetplc.com/
