Strong growth expected in Iran's display market

The Iran display sector is growing at almost 20 percent per annum, and Acer's forecasted share would take them to No.2 in what is an extremely competitive market.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran yesterday, Krishna Murthy, Acer's General Manager for the Middle East, commented:

"Recent research into Iran's retail sector has confirmed Acer's feeling, that Iranians are hungry for the latest LCD displays and digital cameras."

"Consumers in Iran are very knowledgeable about technology, and are increasingly demanding more from their rials," continued Murthy. "As a brand that is trusted and known for putting value first, Acer expects strong demand for its display products from the Iranian retail customer."

Confirmation of Acer's commitment to Iran comes in the shape of a fresh channel strategy, also announced at yesterday's press conference. New agreements with Pars Rayaneh Jahan and Protocol-Kish, two of the country's leading distributors, will focus solely on the Acer display portfolio, which includes LCD televisions, LCD monitors and digital cameras.

"Ramping up our channel initiatives in Iran will provide the impetus for Acer to build new retail relationships with Iran's technology-hungry public," commented Said Keighobad, Acer's Iran country manager. "The agreements with Pars Rayaneh Jahan and Protocol-Kish will open up new retail opportunities and enable Acer to deliver the latest display products at the best prices."

Acer launched the company's first LCD TVs in the Middle East earlier this year - the sleek and high-functioning 26-inch, 32-inch and 37-inch models are prime evidence of how entertainment devices can be seamlessly linked as part of what Acer calls the "digital home."

Alongside the LCD TVs are Acer's popular LCD monitors, which satisfy the ever-increasing needs of the home user through innovative design and superior performance.

Included in Acer's LCD monitor portfolio are Acer's Ferrari-branded displays. The 17-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch Ferrari monitors carry the most innovative features, such as CrystralBrite LCD technology which guarantees greater luminosity and brighter images, as well as the fastest response rates - all packed into an exclusive and stylish design.

The partnership between Acer and Ferrari dates back to February 2003 when an agreement was signed under which Acer became an official supplier to the Scuderia Ferarri, the Formula One motor racing team.

Acer's range of digital cameras, all relatively new to the Middle East, are already selling well across the region, and Acer is looking to match this success in Iran, where more and more customers are recognizing the versatility, easy storage and fun of digital photography. With a portfolio and price range to suit all requirements, Acer is looking to capitalize on this growing trend and expects strong demand from the Iranian retail sector.

"By 2006 we fully expect to have gained the No.2 position in the display sector with at least a 25 percent share of the market,"

concluded Murthy.