Imago takes first steps into Chinese audiovisual market

Distributor Imago has expanded into the Far East with the opening of an office in Beijing, China, in a move it has claimed will benefit its UK VARs.

The video communications distributor has its headquarters in Berkshire, offices in Manchester and France, and a representative who targets reseller channels in Germany, Austria and eastern European markets.

Imago has appointed a Chinese national, Ying Zeng, to head up the venture. Peter Nice, formerly Imago’s head of marketing in the UK, will take on the role of head of new business development.

“The Chinese market is expanding at such a fast rate that we would be stupid to ignore it,” Nice said. “With so much new technology required in the developing Chinese economy, we have recognised the potential of opening a dedicated operation.”

Imago’s Chinese operation, called Ying Die, will initially service Beijing, Shanghai and other large cities, before expanding to meet the needs of the whole country.

Ian Vickerage, managing director of Imago, told CRN: “We’re interested in selling products into China and in sourcing products from there to bring into the UK for our partners. We’re currently evaluating two videoconferencing [VC] products.”

Andrew Smith, senior associate at audiovisual analyst Sandy Brown Associates, said: “China is a huge growth market for technology and is set to become the real power house of Asia. It’s an exceedingly productive venture for Imago. It will now be able to source and sell products into China.”

John Cooper, director of VC reseller JKC, said: “China is an obvious place for Imago to move to. We’re doing a bit of work in China now. I’ve recently seen a Chinese VC product and its price point is a lot lower than other VC vendors’ products.” C

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