Brightstar expands Asia Pacific operations

MIAMI, USA & MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Brightstar Corp., a leader in services and solutions for the wireless industry, has expanded into Thailand and Vietnam further increasing its footprint in Asia Pacific. Brightstar's entrance into these markets supports Brightstar's strategy to have a local presence in key markets throughout the Asia Pacific region.

This regional expansion comes on the heels of Patrick Aronson's recent appointment as the Managing Director for Thailand and Vietnam based out of Ho Chi Minh City. Aronson is responsible for crafting and executing Brightstar's aggressive expansion plans in Southeast Asia.

He has 18 years of experience in both the mobile communications and software development businesses coupled with significant local experience and relationships in retail, mobile device demand generation and value added distribution services. Prior to joining Brightstar, Aronson was based in Bangkok and managed Motorola's Mobile Device business across Southeast Asia.

Brightstar's value proposition to emerging markets includes increasing their access to wireless devices and leading edge technology through the company's global relationships with leading manufacturers, its vast distribution network and integrated supply chain solutions which increase speed to market and reduce overall product costs.

Vietnam accounted for the highest GDP growth for 2009 in Southeast Asia and has been transforming into a vibrant, modern market economy backed by a dynamic domestic market, rising middle class and increase in urbanization and incomes.

With 60 percent of the population under 35, there is a strong demand for mobile phones and services. According to a recent study by Research On Asia (ROA) Group, the number of mobile users in Vietnam will increase to 53 million by 2010.

The mobile market in Thailand also continues to grow. According to the GSM Association, Thailand is a similarly dynamic market with almost 70 million subscribers, corresponding to more than 100 percent penetration. Thailand has witnessed a dramatic change in the market shares of major manufacturers in the last few quarters.

Arturo Osorio, president of Brightstar Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, said: "We recognized the growing demand for mobile devices and services throughout Asia Pacific, hence our decision to expand into additional countries within the region. We believe that our strong portfolio of OEM partners, current local infrastructure and the new facilities in Vietnam and Thailand will provide the highest levels of value-added distribution and supply chain services, and will drive mobile products to thousands of points of sale and consumers in the region."

Brightstar has been in the Asia Pacific region for more than six years, and has continued to grow and strengthen its business operations. The company has more than 600 employees in the region, and numerous facilities and relationships in place to continue to provide innovative, customized solutions for its customers.