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ASUS, a leading enterprise in the new digital era, launches in Greece the ZenFone series smartphones characterized by their top performance and impressive design. The three highly anticipated models ASUS ZenFone Live, ASUS ZenFone Max and ASUS ZenFone Zoom S comprise the latest technology in the smartphone market with innovative features which are expected to strongly attract the interest of Greek consumers.

ZenFone Live is the first smartphone in the world with an integrated live streaming beautification technology allowing users to share more glamorous pictures of them on real time. It also has a front flash for great “selfies” even in the dark environment. Users who engage in photography will discover extraordinary performance features in ZenFone Zoom S thanks to the 2 specially designed dual 12MP rear cameras, the one with wide-angle lens and f1.7 aperture and the other with 2.3x real optical zoom but also with 12x digital zoom allowing users to take close shots from a distance with incomparable details, as well as providing the ability to record 4K video. Finally, ZenFone 3 Max carrying a 4100mAh big battery guarantees multi-hourly use without the need to frequently charge the battery, and it can also be served as a power bank to reverse charge other smartphones. These features are nowadays mostly demanded by users.

All three models are characterized by their beautiful design which resembles the pure lines of nature, by a combination of 2.5D contoured glass, thin bezels and metal (Zenfone Zoom S and Zenfone 3 Max) in different colors. Other leading features of the new ASUS smartphones include ASUS Pixel Master’s industry-leading low-light technology to increase light sensitivity by up to 400 percent as well as a powerful speaker with a five-magnet design and metal voice coil to produce loud and clear audio with supreme quality in every scenario. The innovative finger print sensor of ASUS ZenFone 3 Max & ASUS ZenFone Zoom S is located at the rear of the handset whereas by only a simple touch it unlocks the smart phone, activates the “selfie” function, takes pictures, replies to calls and opens certain applications. Finally, the new ASUS smartphones comprise perhaps the best “value for money” choice in the market as their prices range from €149 to €499.

The new ASUS smartphones are expected to further strengthen the partnership between the multinational technological colossus and Westnet, a partnership that extends to laptops, gaming laptops, desktops monitors, networking and gaming accessories which are already available in the Gre

Westnet maintained stable financials and increased its market share in 2016. In spite of the adverse economic environment, the company maintained sales as last year’s levels (from €93 million in 2015 to €92 million in 2016). Gross profit increased by 6%, from €6.4 million in 2015 to €6.8 million in 2016, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 13%, from €2.5 million in 2015 to €2.9 million in 2016. Finally, earnings before taxes increased by 3%, from €1.2 million in 2015 to €1.3 million in 2016.

Westnet succeeded in maintaining its turnover in a declining year for the market through the company’s strategy, which broadened to include new product categories and focused on the most successful strategic partnerships and the development of a new customer base.  More specifically, new collaboration was added with Microsoft, on all of the latter’s consumer products, and with Canon, on photographic and printing products. In tandem, Westnet entered the television market through exclusive partnerships with Hitachi and Toshiba.

Commenting on the year’s results, Westnet’s CEO, Robby Bourlas, noted: “In spite of the difficult economic state of affairs, Westnet succeeded in maintaining its sales and increasing its market share and profitability. 2016 was also an important year for the company, as we concluded new strategic partnerships with major multinational manufacturers. 2017 started with a fall in the market, but – continuing to invest – we opened our subsidiary in Cyprus in the first quarter”.

Westnet was selected among the “Greek Business Champions” at the event “Protagonists of the Greek Economy”. The event was organized by the company “Direction Business Solutions” under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy & Development and of SEV (Hellenic Federation of Enterprises). It took place on Monday, May 15^th, at the Athens Concert Hall, Greece, and awarded Greek companies which despite the crisis environment, continued to be profitable and to also play a leading role and grow.

Specifically, Westnet, one of the fastest growing companies in the area of distribution of technology products, received the award in the category “Greek Business Champions”. The particular category distinguishes companies with turnover higher than 15 million Euros and with growth rates higher than 20% in turnover and 50% in earnings before taxes. The especially strong performance of Westnet, which has recorded an increase of 94% in turnover and of 152% in profitability during the period 2013-2015, placed the company on the top of many other large Greek companies thus leading to this important recognition.

Robby Bourlas, Chief Executive Officer of Westnet received the award by stating the following: “I would like to express my gratitude to Direction for this important recognition. Westnet, a Greek company and member of Olympia Group, is indeed one of the fastest growing companies in the area of technology. This recognition is especially significant given the difficulties seen in the market during year 2015. The results demonstrate that our decision to continue investing and supporting the Greek economy was right”.

Westnet, member of Olympia Group and one of the fastest growing companies in the area of distribution of high technology and IT products, announced today that it expands its business activities into the market of Cyprus.

Since its foundation, Westnet constitutes a synonymous with the distribution of technology products. Initially starting with the distribution of IT products and then, during 2012, entering into the mobility market via smartphones and tablets, the company now holds a leading position in the Greek market. During 2015-2016, it further strengthened its activities in the markets of peripherals, accessories, and gaming, as well as of TVs and photography, through important partnerships. The company has undertaken the exclusive distribution in the Greek market of the tablets and smartphones of Lenovo, of the smartphones, notebooks, PCs and gaming products of ASUS, of Hitachi and Toshiba TVs, as well as of TVs, tablets and smart phones of e-star. In addition, during the year 2016, the company proceeded into a partnership with Microsoft with regard to the entire range of its consumer products (Surface, Xbox, Office, Peripherals) and with Canon with regard to photography and printing products.

Having signed partnerships with some of the most important brands in the international technology market and via a reliable distribution network, Westnet constitutes a strategic choice for both customers and suppliers in the distribution area of leading technology products. The partnerships with technology giants, such as HP Enterprise, HP Inc, Lenovo, ASUS, Canon, Microsoft, Samsung, LG, Hitachi, Toshiba, Logitech, Creative, Polaroid, D-Link, TP-Link, Eset, Panda, Kaspersky, etc. demonstrate the company’s commitment towards the strengthening of its customers’ competitiveness by providing them with the last word in technology.

Ιn the Cypriot market, Westnet will distribute products from the entire spectrum of the vendors which the company represents in Greece. Furthermore, the storage facilities of Westnet in Cyprus contain thousands of products ready to be delivered whereas additional product items are transported from Greece to Cyprus through weekly orders.

Mr. Nikos Tsarouchas has assumed the position of the head of the subsidiary company of Westnet in Cyprus. He possesses long-term experience in the area of sales and marketing in companies in Cyprus and Greece.

Robby Bourlas, Chief Executive Officer of Westnet stated the following: “After an especially successful business course in Greece for over 10 years, we are delighted to announce our new establishment in Cyprus. We strongly believe in the dynamics of the Cypriot market and we aim at offering to our Cypriot customers the same value which has placed our company as the absolutely creditworthy partner, creating also long-term relations of trust”.

Westnet is taking on the distribution of Lenovo’s new Yoga Book in the Greek market. This Lenovo innovation adapts ideally to the needs of a variety of users, from university students to professionals, enabling them to work from wherever they are with the help of this light and easily portable device.

The pioneering Yoga Book reimagines the 2-in-1 tablet, ushering in a new era by bringing together innovative technological features that heightens creativity and productivity, like the virtual Instant Halo keyboard, with haptic feedback technology, and the Real-Pen dual-use stylus.

The keyboard doesn’t have actual keys but appears only when you need it. With built-in prediction and artificial learning software, the halo keyboard constantly “learns about and adapts to” your habits. With the real-pen, a pen with real ink, you can make notes on paper or, using it as a stylus, make notes directly on the notepad panel. Whatever you create is instantly digitized and saved by Lenovo’s ‘note-saving’ application. About the same size as a normal pen with ink, the real-pen is powered by Wacom feel™ IT and employs the latest electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) technology, which is incorporated into the multi-use keyboard and enables real-time digitization. The multi-use keyboard and real-pen provide an authentic drawing-on-paper feel, rather than that of drawing directly onto a computer screen.

The Yoga Book’s technical features, including its sleek and light design – folding out to a slim 4.55 mm and weighing in at just 690 grams – its 10.1-inch screen with a watch-band hinge for use through 360o, a Li-ion Polymer 8500 mAh battery that lasts all day, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM, and a remarkably fast Intel® Atom™ x5 processor, will set users’ imaginations free and spark their creativity, wherever they may be.

*The Yoga Book comes with an Android or Windows operating system and is Wi-Fi and 4G ready.

Westnet will enrich its range of products in 2017 with two new arrivals from Polaroid: the new Polaroid POP and Polaroid HOOP, which were launched recently at the CES 2017 (Consumer Technology Association) fair in Las Vegas.

The Polaroid POP is the company’s response to the ever-increasing demand for a camera that instantly prints photographs in the iconic – larger – 3×4″ format of the classic Polaroid camera. It is essentially a return to classic Polaroid photography, through a new, compact camera whose state-of-the-art design will captivate the interest of young consumers. The camera features a 4″ touchscreen, a 20MP sensor and 1080p/720p video resolution, while it connects via Bluetooth and wi-fi to all smart devices.

The Polaroid HOOP marks Polaroid’s entry into the internet security camera market, a sector with a double-digit annual growth rate. With its user-friendly operation and modern, slim design, the Polaroid HOOP aspires to be a reliable, integrated and affordable home-security solution, without unnecessary installation expenses, holes in walls or monthly monitoring fees. The models in the Polaroid HOOP line — for indoor and outdoor use — feature night vision, plug-in or battery power options, 1080p resolution and a 140° field of vision.

With these two new products, Westnet is enhancing its collaboration with Polaroid, as its portfolio already includes the Polaroid Snap & Snap Touch cameras, the Polaroid Cube camera, the Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer and a number of camera accessories.

The Polaroid POP will be available in the Greek market this summer, and the Polaroid HOOP will be arriving in April.

Westnet Distribution, member of Olympia Group, for second consecutive year, was named as the “Top Hewlett Packard Distributor in Greece” for 2016, from the tech giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

This significant distinction constitutes the second consecutive recognition for Westnet from one of the top tech companies in the world. Key criteria for receiving this title were the company’s performance based on predetermined and measurable evaluation criteria. Upon the evaluation of all the parameters, Westnet ranked first among all other partners of HPE in Greece, achieving the highest growth rate in terms of value and sales volume, very notable expansion in the network of resellers and the highest specialization rate in the products of Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

The award ceremony took place in the context of the annual partners event of HPE entitled as “Accelerate Future”, on Wednesday, November 16^th, in Elaion Loft venue.

Mr. George Daviotis, Commercial Manager of Westnet, received the award and stated the following: “The distinction of Westnet, for second consecutive year, from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), confirms the excellent collaboration of the two companies and rewards our company’s strategy. Westnet is constantly evolving, creating added-value for its customers and this fact is being recognized once again today”.

Westnet, member of Olympia Group, presents in exclusivity to the Greek market the pioneering technological accessories, PowerCubes. These products are designed from the Dutch industrial design company, Allocacoc, which is globally known for the special aesthetics it gives to its appliances as well as for the variety of operating solutions it offers.

The new exclusive partnership of Westnet strengthens its dynamics in the category of technology accessories through a series of products addressing the wider audience of consumers and considered to be suitable for every home or office, as well as distinguished for their special design.

More specifically, these products are the PowerCubes possessing a lot of outlets. The great difference is that while the conventional socket multipliers are usually located as hidden objects behind the furniture, PowerCubes “do not belong” behind the furniture but instead they are placed onto the furniture! The “energy cubes” circulate in different colors and in case there is a need for additional sockets, they can be stacked and thus “build” beautiful and practical combinations of outlets.

They also offer the double USB option for immediate charging of appliances, via 1.5 meter cord, as well as remote control for incredible easiness. Their special self-sticking base assists the stabilization of the PowerCubes onto the office furniture and also facilitates their attachment even underneath the furniture for space saving purposes.

At the same time, the Travel PowerCubes are ideal for use in trips abroad as they can be adjusted according to the special type of wall plugs used in each country offering the ability to travelers to charge their cell phone, tablet and computer without looking for wall plugs behind the night tables!

Also, Westnet offers exclusively Allocacoc ΑudioCubes, which are wireless speakers for sound experience of 360º as well as for the generation of sound that penetrates the air space without creating dead spots. At the same time, it offers USB chargers with internal battery, and USB cord for simultaneous charging of appliances.

The PowerCubes have achieved to redefine a series of classic technology accessories offering them their own special style. Westnet ambition is to make every home or office having one PowerCube product thus pleasantly defining every day’s life.

About Allocacoc

The industrial design company Allocacoc is globally known for its special aesthetics. The company was founded in 2010 from two new entrepreneurs with the objective to design, produce and develop, from “A” to “Z”, innovative consumer products. Allocacoc has already managed to give its own style to a series of classic technology products, a style that ideally combines modern design with functionality. The special final result in combination with the competitive prices of the products within the portfolio allows the company to set the ambitious goal according to which very soon an Allocacoc appliance will exist in every household or company all over the world.

Westnet, member of Olympia Group, presents in the Greek market the new laptops and desktops ROG of ASUS, which is leading player in the global marketplace (No. 1 brand in gaming notebooks). ASUS ROG, specially designed in order to boost and maximize the gaming experience, enrich the product portfolio of Westnet with high quality products targeting a high demanding category of consumers, comprising a constantly expanding audience over the past years.

ASUS is now an indispensable member of the gaming community having created, ten years ago, the team ROG – Republic Of Gamers – with the sole purpose to promote computer technology, specially designed for gaming needs. Since 2006, ROG products have presented to the audience a hardware technology that evolves and boosts the gaming experience, building a mythical name among the fans of gaming products.

Westnet in collaboration with ASUS activate jointly in the global marketplace with a tendency towards ready solutions instead of BTO (build-to-order) solutions. More specifically, the market of the high-end gaming PCs and laptops is the fastest growing one among all markets, as gamers tend to speedily and frequently upgrade the respective hardware of their computers. Gaming PCs and laptops are upgraded every 2-3 years from a gamer, in contrast to a usual computer which is upgraded every 7 years on average basis from its user. It is worth mentioning that smartphones and tablets have not become substitutes for the gaming computers as it has been the case with the traditional ones.

In Greece, despite the fact that the market of notebooks demonstrates a downward course in comparison with the number of aggregate sales of computers in the first half of 2016, gaming notebooks constitute a separate category with steadily increasing sales and with a growth rate that exceeds 70% compared to the sales realized during the same time period in 2015. ASUS holds a market share of 25% in this market.

Once again, ASUS, which is a synonym to innovation, has achieved to further boost the gaming experience with the distribution of the new ROG laptops in the marketplace. The new models ASUS ROG GL552VW & GL752VW as well as desktops G11CD and G20CB achieve their own revolution with their “gaming-oriented” design, offering an entirely new and unique experience to the users of gaming products.

Westnet Distribution and Hitachi, the Japanese giant, announced their exclusive partnership for the distribution of Hitachi television sets on the Greek market, at a meeting with media representatives today.

The event was attended by senior Hitachi executives from England and Japan’s Administrations who presented all the television sets (series B, Z and Ultra) which distinguished themselves through the provision of services and numerous features for consumers at attractive prices.

“Our exclusive partnership with Hitachi is another step in our development strategy and ensures high quality products in the category of televisions for our customers.  We are proud that a global player with 100 years history trusts Westnet for the placement of its products in Greece and Cyprus.” said Robbie Bourlas, Westnet’s CEO, regarding the cooperation.

On behalf of Hitachi, Mr. Richard Bass, Head of Europe B2C Business and Mr. Yoshiyuki Bando, Europe B2C Manager referred to the great opportunity they see in the Greek market for Hitachi television sets and their belief that Westnet will actively contribute to the development of their products as a reliable and strong partner. They also stated that during its history which nears 100 years as well as its experience in the manufacture of television sets which exceeds 50 years, Hitachi has developed the experience offered to millions of viewers around the world to a higher level. Worldwide, and in 28 European countries, more than one million television sets have been sold, while in Great Britain Hitachi television sets represent more than 5% of the market share.

The high ranking in consumer preferences is due to the high reliability regarding quality and the unique user experience offered by Hitachi television sets through the provision of many features such as smaRTvue, which was created by Hitachi and offers the user the ability to access numerous online services, but also SmartRemote app which allows the user to control the device via his mobile/tablet.

The quality and reliability of Hitachi’s devices is ensured by extensive testing at all stages, even surpassing European standards, a fact which ensures the longevity of all devices. Furthermore, the cooperation of highly skilled Japanese engineers with the company’s workshops in Great Britain, results in the creation of products of which the design excellence makes them stand out.

Mr. George Daviotis, Westnet’s Commercial Director, noted that Hitachi television sets will very soon be distributed to the entire Westnet network and to selected chain stores that sell technology products.

Mr. Apostolos Karydas, Hitachi’s Country Manager Greece, emphasized the fact that the cooperation with Westnet will dynamically add the television sets to the range of products already offered by Hitachi so far in Greece in the field of air-conditioning and refrigerators for consumers but also in the field of solutions for enterprises.

Westnet’s new cooperation marks its entry into the market of television sets and is consistent with the company’s strategic planning for the creation of partnerships with multiple benefits. From 2012 till today Westnet has achieved important partnerships at exclusive distributor level in various fields of activity achieving the continuous strengthening of its presence in the distribution of technology products in the market and the expansion of their share which now stands at 25%.

About Hitachi

Hitachi was founded by Namihei Odaira in 2010, in Ibaraki Japan, as a repair store. In 2015 the overall activities of the group had a turnover of over 10 trillion Yen (90 billion Dollars) from 1040 subsidiaries worldwide employing more than 333,000 employees. Regarding sound and image products, Hitachi has a history of 50 years introducing important technological innovations of Flat Panel TVs, Video Players, Camcorders and audio systems into the global market. In Greece, Hitachi has been active since 1968, and in 1995 its subsidiary Hitachi Europe SA was founded.