Menzies launches exclusive distie

Yet another distributor flying the exclusive flag has entered the computer retail arena.

John Menzies Group has launched JM Interactive which will specialise in the distribution, marketing and sales of multi-media products.

The new company will work out of the Menzies-owned THE Games offices in Eastleigh. It will be staffed by Funsoft sales and marketing employees who have been offered relocation packages from London.

The JM Interactive product range will initially be restricted to Funsoft titles, though it will also be responsible for the primary distribution of Gremlin, SCI (companies both partly owned by Funsoft) and Sierra games.

"We've been developing expertise in multimedia distribution which has been recognized as a growth area of the market," said a spokesperson.

"We will be looking to sign up other labels."

The John Menzies Group currently owns 37% of Funsoft but is looking for a majority stake. The publisher's labels include Mattel Media, Virgin Sound & Vision and Terraglyph.

Funsoft multimedia marketing manager Mark Stringer has accepted relocation to Eastleigh where more staff will be recruited. Funsoft games marketing manager Alison Turner, however, is leaving to join BMG. A new managing director will be announced shortly.