United Electronics Company (eXtra), a leading consumer electronics and home appliance retailer in Saudi Arabia, will retail a range of printers and multi-function centres (MFCs) from Brother International (Gulf).

The two companies recently signed a strategic deal which will see eXtra’s 25 stores across Saudi Arabia retailing Brother products.

The new partnership also complements recent industry reports showing that Saudi Arabia will be a major contributor in the expected USD 7.6 billion growth of the region’s printing industry.

The partnership also covers retailing of Brother consumables like ink cartridges and related accessories.

“eXtra’s reputation is built on offering the widest product range available in the market at the best possible prices with the support of strong after sales services,” said Mohammad Galal, chief executive officer, eXtra.

“Over recent years we have witnessed demand for highly efficient and eco-friendly printers grow steadily in the Kingdom, and our partnership with Brother will ensure we are able to continue meeting the ever evolving requirements of our valued customers.”

Currently, eXtra provides the over 10 million customers it serves annually with more than 12,000 products across its now 25 stores. In addition, eXtra recently introduced its online shopping portal (extra.com).

“Our partnership with eXtra could not have come at a better time as the Middle East region’s printing industry is expected to key in large growth by 2012, with Saudi Arabia being named as one of the major drivers for this development,” said Soichi Murakami, managing director, Brother International (Gulf).

“The alliance will give us the opportunity to leverage our extensive line of MLPs and MFPs across various industry verticals in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the SME and SOHO segments. We are confident that this new partnership will help us in our continued move to create stronger market presence in the kingdom and the rest of the region,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service