OmegaSatter and Brandess Kalt Aetna (BKA) (PMA Booth #1314), both leading distributors to the photo industry, announced just prior to PMA that they are merging to form one of the largest and most comprehensive distributors in the industry.
The new organization, named OmegaBrandess Distribution, will be headquartered in Hampstead, Md.
According to company representatives, the many complementary product lines carried by OmegaSatter and BKA are part of the appeal of the merger. The new organization will provide a single source for the widest variety of imaging brands available, including Pelican Cases, Novatron Lighting, Kodak, Gary Fong, Cokin, Blue Crane Digital and many others.
“Each company brings strengths that together will be a benefit to our customers,” says Jeff Seidel, Director of Sales and Service for OmegaSatter. “Our new company will make it easier for the photo specialty dealer to purchase many of its needs in a convenient and cost saving way.”
“The new organization will create the largest and strongest field sales force in the photo industry today, and photo retailers will reap the benefits,” according to Michael Griffith, National Sales Manager for BKA. “We expect to see a swift integration of the two companies in terms of product and order flow.”
The company sees order consolidation, better product availability, and enhanced sales representation as among the benefits dealers will experience.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to incorporate the best of two long-standing, well-respected companies in the photo industry. The advantages this will provide dealers and suppliers are immeasurable,” said Barb Brandess, President of BKA.
“We are extremely pleased to be teaming up with BKA. Both companies have a long history in the photo industry. By joining together we will be able to offer both dealers and suppliers the combined strengths of both company’s sales teams and knowledgeable employees,” said Cindy Wesolowski, President of OmegaSatter and now President of the newly formed OmegaBrandess.
