i2 will sell 12 million units in 2007 with help of new ally

i2 revealed its expansion plans in September, outlining a three pronged approach for the growth of the company. The plan includes new market penetration, the re-invigoration of its retail network and several corporate acquisitions. The acquisition of Allied TC follows that of Cellempower, a value added services and mobile marketing company, making Allied the second acquisition in a series that the company plans action in the near future.

When asked about the strategic benefit of acquiring Allied TC, Abdul Hameed Al Sunaid stated that "by acquiring Allied, we will surpass the12 million mark in terms of handset sales by end of 2007". According to Sunaid, Allied TC has been instrumental in establishing working relationships with traders and operators in various markets resulting in i2 launching its operations in the respective countries.

"Allied brings more to the table than just increased unit sales; They will provide i2 with a strong foothold in the United Kingdom and other European markets, as i2 will provide the equivalent for Allied in the Middle East and Africa"

concluded Sunaid.

Allied TC represents all major brands in the UK including Nokia, Sony Ericsson,Motorola, Siemans, NEC, Alcatel and Samsung. In addition, the company has demonstrated its strength and expertise to i2 group, in light of the fierce competition of the western market in terms of mobile prices and trade volumes.

According to Amar AlKadhi, Managing Director - Allied TC, "Allied will benefit from becoming part of the i2 group due to the increase in working capital and human resources. Additionally, i2 gives Allied the opportunity to increase its trade volume in new markets, particularly Africa".

Sunaid and AlKadhi both summarized the acquisition as one that will allow i2 and Allied TC to complement each other in their current operational networks as Allied TC continues to operate as an independent profit center. The two companies will lend support to one another. Allied will expose i2 to European Markets and their respective local operators such as Vodafone, Orange and France Telecom as i2 will do the same for Allied in the Middle East and Africa.