KVH expands into Asian markets

swadminMay 19, 2006

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Satellite communications provider KVH Industries, Inc., is expanding its consumer product sales network into the Asian market following the selection of Eletek Technology of China and Hong Kong and Can Traders of Singapore as regional distributors, the company said yesterday.

This expansion builds on the success of KVH’s existing marine satellite TV and communication sales and regional distribution networks in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.

“Given the significant maritime business opportunities within the Asian market, this is a logical and exciting expansion of the distribution network for our award-winning marine satellite products,” said Martin Kits van Heyningen, president and chief executive officer of KVH. “While we are still in the early stages of this initiative and the distribution and dealer network will be more fully established over the next several quarters, we are very excited by the prospects for growth in Asia among both recreational and commercial mariners.”

Eletek Technology Ltd., a leading marine electronic service provider, will serve as KVH’s general distributor for China and Hong Kong. Eletek supports sales and service for the breadth of the marine industry, ranging from recreational and fishing boats to commercial vessels. At the same time, KVH has selected Can Traders & Services to oversee sales and distribution opportunities in Singapore. The Asian distribution network will be managed by KVH’s wholly owned subsidiary, KVH Europe A/S.

“Our TracVision satellite TV systems are capable of supporting Asian regional satellite TV services while our TracPhone systems connect to voice, fax, and high-speed Internet services worldwide via the Inmarsat service,” said Mads Bjerre-Petersen, managing director of KVH Europe A/S. “As a result, I believe our products will be highly competitive in the Asian market compared to lower-cost but less capable mobile satellite products currently being distributed by Asian manufacturers.”