DISTRIBUTION SPECIAL PROFILE: KOCH / GEM
KOCH MEDIA
After entering the film distribution market, Koch now has its sights set on triple-A success with its Deep Silver- published Dead Island game. MD Craig McNicol tells Dom Sacco more
KOCH HAS a lot more strings to its bows than a traditional distributor. The firm has its own publishing label, Deep Silver, and gaming accessories brand Blue Ocean.
But arguably the firm’s biggest shift was made last year when it entered the film market. As well as distributing DVDs to retailers, Koch has
partnered with a number of firms to further cement itself in the world of movies. “The synergy is clear,” says UK MD Craig McNicol. “We have sales and marketing services that film labels can take advantage of, and direct access to all of the key DVD stockists. “We have additionally continued to build a strong partner network, working with the BBC, Fremantle and ITV where we represent
GEM DISTRIBUTION
Gem strives for the highest levels of service in the industry. Dom Sacco chats with UK general manager Darren Houghton about its diverse range of products
AFTER acquiring Trilogy Logistics and opening a new warehouse facility in Raunds last year, Gem is stronger than ever.
The company has its own logistics and in-house marketing departments as well as a gaming accessory brand – Exspect. It has delivered a range of hit games and products to retail including Halo: Reach, Red Dead Redemptionand most recently Xbox 360 Kinect, which has topped 8m sales worldwide. But after these
expansions, its always- strong relations with Microsoft and recent appointment of Alex Croft as group strategic development director, Gem says it’s focus now is to maintain a leading position. “The most important aspect of our business,
30 March 4th 2011
other than our people, is delivering and sustaining the highest possible levels of service to all of our suppliers and customers,” says Gem’s UK general manager Darren Houghton.
“
Our street date agreements have helped level the playing field for everyone.
Darren Houghton, Gem
“In these difficult times we will continue to put a greater emphasis on delivering a broader range of products, as well as offering a diverse range of revenue stream opportunities for our customers.”
The firm emphasises the strength of the tailored solutions it provides its exclusive partners with. “We work very hard for our exclusive partners, investing heavily to make sure that product launches are as successful as possible,” adds Houghton. “Exclusive distribution has also allowed us to put in place street date agreements with our customers that have helped level the playing field for everyone concerned.” Other benefits of choosing Gem include a single point of contact, enhanced marketing programmes to support new releases and an Xbox Portal for independent retailers which offers exclusive products, competitions, bundles and other promotions.
them on a physical distribution basis.” Koch has also seen some exciting new developments in its publishing division. Last month a trailer for zombie game Dead Island– published by the firm’s Deep Silver division – sparked debate across the world. It also publishes big licences such as Prison Breakand Doctor Whotitles. “Dead Islandis as far away from a licence as you can get,” adds McNicol. “But as we also work for large corporations that require their licences to be on the market, we are the most experienced
distributor for handling such valuable commodities. “Our biggest challenge is to continue to remain visionary. We want to service the requirements of our partners.”
“ INFO
Established: 1994 Members of staff: 330 (around 66 in the UK) Based: Basingstoke, Hampshire Key territories: UK, Benelux, Nordic Contact: 01256 385200 Website:
www.kochmedia.co.uk
INFO
Established: 1984 Members of staff: 450+ (around 250 in the UK) Based: Raunds, Altham, Northamptonshire, Harlow, Stoke, Hong Kong, Paris Key territories: UK, Europe Contact: 01279 822800 Website:
www.gem.co.uk
We are the most experienced distributor for handling
valuable licences. Craig McNicol, Koch
www.mcvuk.com
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