Avnet Abacus, one of Europe's leading interconnect, passive, electro-mechanical and power distributors and a business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, a business region of Avnet, has signed a pan-European distribution agreement with GP Batteries, a leading supplier of alkaline, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), and specialist lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Avnet Abacus' appointment as the authorized distributor for GP Batteries industrial products portfolio across Europe is a strategic initiative by the company to strengthen its presence across Europe, with particular emphasis on achieving business growth in the industrial and OEM sectors. GP Batteries has a well-established reputation within both the industrial and retail markets for highly reliable, high-performance batteries, which are produced at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Asia. In addition to off-the-shelf components, the company offers a complete in-house custom design battery capability. With unique battery expertise in the distribution sector, and a network of 40 offices located in Europe, Avnet Abacus offers both the technical know-how and geographic proximity to support customers in the region to the very highest standards. "We have been seeking the right distribution partner to help us boost business opportunities in Europe," said Graham Verity of GP Batteries. "Avnet Abacus is the perfect fit because not only do they provide a flexible logistics solution, but they also possess a deep knowledge of battery products, which enables them to advise and support customer projects from concept right through to production. They will be an invaluable asset in our drive to expand the GP Batteries portfolio in the region." "GP Batteries' decision to seek our expertise for its European expansion programme validates the strong synergy that exists between our two companies," said Tim Parker, battery product manager at Avnet Abacus. "This pan-European agreement will allow us to strengthen the level of service we are able to provide to customers, both in terms of technical support and in delivering a much wider selection of world-leading battery products." Avnet Abacus
