Superscope, a privately held company based in Aurora, Illinois, was the exclusive distributor for Marantz Professional in North America, which includes markets in Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Superscope will continue to develop and market its own line of professional audio and video products, which are manufactured by Marantz Japan. The North American distribution business of Marantz Professional will move operations to Itasca, Illinois, where Marantz America Inc is headquartered. Mehdi Alister, vice-president and general manager of Superscope, has been named vice-president of Marantz America, and he will oversee the Marantz Professional division of Marantz America Inc.
Commenting on the transaction, Takashi Sato, president and chief executive officer of Marantz Japan, said: "This is another step in Marantz Japan’s plan to integrate all sales and marketing activities for the Marantz brand around the world into one company. We also are pleased to have Mehdi Alister take the leadership role at Marantz Professional. He has a strong record of successfully introducing superior products, and we welcome him to the management team at Marantz America."
Fred Hackendahl, president of Superscope Technologies, said: "For the past nine years we have been extremely proud to be the distributor of Marantz Professional products in North and South America, and although our distributor relationship will end, we are looking forward to continuing our long relationship by virtue of a supply agreement for Superscope brand products."
Mark Perrins, European Sales Director of Marantz Professional Europe, adds: "It is important to add that despite the changes in the US for the Marantz Professional Distribution, Superscope products will continue to be distributed in Europe, Africa and the Middle East by Marantz Professional Europe for the foreseeable future. An excellent relationship still exists between Marantz and Superscope, which will continue into the future, and we have already seen Superscope grow into an important manufacturer of products for the performing arts and educational markets. Superscope is wasting no time in adding exciting and innovative products to their already considerable portfolio."
(Lee Baldock)
