02 May 2000  

Norman ASA and the South Korean company Firetek Inc. have signed a distribution agreement. This is the first agreement regarding distribution of software that has been entered into between Norway and South Korea. Firetek is established in the largest cities of South Korea and the company's clients are mainly the biggest companies.

- South Korea is an important door opener for Norman ASA to the Asian markets and the country is of great interest - both financially and technologically. Norman ASA has entered into a co-operation with one of the leading companies in the data security field. This is the first agreement we have reached in this market and it gives us the possibility to gain experience before we enter into other Asian markets, says Bjørn Fosli, CEO and President of Norman ASA.

Supported by the Norwegian Trade Council

The agreement was presented during an event in Seoul on May 3rd 2000 in which the Norwegian Ambassador in South Korea, Mr. Torolf Raa, participated. The Trade Council has been an important partner in the process of establishing a co-operation with Firetek.

South Korea - a young market

- The Korean data security industry is developing rapidly and has so far gained a strong foothold in Seoul. The next step for the industry is to obtain an equivalent situation outside the country's capital. Firetek has a network of authorized dealers and a focus on the biggest cities such as Pusan, Dae-Gu, Dae-Jun and Kwang-Ju. Firetek aims for 10 authorized dealers within a short time, says Danny Kim, Market Director of Firetek.

Firetek Inc. was established in Korea in September 1999 and is among the leading companies within the data security industry and network communication. The company's headquarters are in Pusan, and the company has 120 employees.

For further information, please contact

Bjørn Fosli, President and CEO of Norman ASA, Tel: +47-67-58-99-40, Mobile: +47-90-51-84-68