COMAG has appointed Smiths News and Menzies Distribution as its exclusive wholesale service providers for the supply of its range of magazines, partworks and collectables to retail customers in defined territories. The new arrangements will be effective from 1 January 2011. The Channel Islands and Isle of Man were not included in this process and there will be no change to distribution arrangements in these areas.
According to COMAG, bids from a number of interested companies were rigorously assessed against the stated aims of ensuring sustainable availability to consumers throughout the country; delivering high standards of service to publishers and retailers alike; and minimising the complexity for retailers and environmental cost of dual supply.
Mike Mirams, managing director of COMAG, commented: "This has been a tough and competitive process and we have been faced with some very difficult decisions. We are, however, confident that this outcome will enable us to maintain an excellent standard of service to our clients and to continue to drive improvement across the supply chain. We are committed to working with our appointed wholesalers and retail customers to achieve that goal."
"We would like to thank all those who submitted bids and to express our genuine regret that this decision will bring to a close our relationship with Dawson News with whom we have enjoyed working closely for many years."
