Lysaker, 15 June 1999  

Norman ASA has signed a distribution agreement with the world’s largest computer distributor, Ingram Micro. This agreement relates initially to Norway where Ingram Micro will assume responsibility for the logistics and distribution of Norman’s data security products.

"This is an important part of our strategy to secure a more effective operation. While the majority of Norman’s sales last year were direct to end users, a similar share this year has been channelled through dealers", explains Bjørn Fosli, President & CEO of Norman ASA.

The company has improved its financial situation after the board of directors implemented a series of measures in the 1st quarter to secure revenue growth and improve profitability. A new distribution strategy, headcount reductions at Norman’s loss-making international subsidiaries, tight cost control, increased focus on "key account" customers and a market-driven product strategy has already begun to give results.

"We had discussions with all of the large distributors, but chose Ingram on account of its significant international muscle and because it is the only international distributor with a single world-wide logistics. In time, Norman’s sales in all countries will be channelled through distributors", explains Fosli.

Ingram Micro is largest computer distributor both in Scandinavia and globally, with revenues last year of around NOK 2.1 billion in Norway and USD 22 billion globally. "Strong growth in home-PC deals for larger and smaller companies and organisations means that data security products are assuming a steadily more central role. This agreement with Norman will be an important supplement to the portfolio for our dealers, especially because of Norman’s leading position in the Norwegian virus control market", explains Ove Kristensen, President & CEO of Ingram Micro.

  • For further information, please contact: Bjørn Fosli, President & CEO of Norman ASA, tlf: +47-67109700/-90518468 Ove Kristensen, President & CEO of Ingram Micro, tlf +47-23050100/-90753881