Golden Systems ME

Tel: +971 4 886 3300
Website: www.gse.ae
Headcount: 100
Active accounts: 1,000
Regional offices: UAE.
Key brands: Gigabyte, Kingston, Cooler Master, Zotac PNY, Logitech, WD & Epson.
Ownership: Privately owned.
2011 sales: $128m
2010 sales: $121m

What were the company’s milestones in 2011?

Last year we shifted our strategy from pure components play to broadline distribution. We added more broadline finished products and also signed Epson for projectors and large format printers.

What are your strategic plans for the rest of 2012?

We are looking at developing our reach into central African countries. On the brand side, we will be developing channels for Asus and Kingston in the region.

What is the most pressing distribution issue at the moment in the region?

I do believe that the competitive nature of the distribution business is in itself a challenge. Meeting vendor expectations in a tough and cutthroat market is something that’s taxing.

Has the Middle East distribution sector recovered from the global economic meltdown of three years ago?

The sector did recover to some extent, although the effects of the ‘Arab Spring’ especially in Egypt had a negative effect on the IT distribution business.

Verdict: Golden Systems’ solid components array and continued focus to broaden and cement its portfolio in the finished goods broadline distribution space, has helped the company to grow it sales revenue in 2011. The distributor has signed Epson to boost its credentials in the projectors and large format printing segment.