Vodafone, the second largest operator on the local telecom market, will expand its distribution network after closing an exclusive partnership with Fonomat, one of the largest GSM retailers on the local market.
Fonomat currently numbers 166 stores, according to company data. With a total retail surface of over 7,000 sqm, Fonomat stores can be found in 96 cities in Romania, according to the company’s website.
Previously, Fonomat was a dealer for Orange Romania. The contract between the two reached maturity, according to representatives of Orange Romania. The deal, initially signed for a period of three years, will not be prolonged. Orange will develop its distribution network through its own units (Orange Shop), franchise stores (Orange store) and based on partnerships with the large Euro GSM retail chain and Say (Orange partner).
Fonomat came into being when Spanish fund GED Private Equity acquired four companies of GSM retail: Dasimpex, Puls GSM, GSM Land and Plus GSM.
Vodafone, the main rival of Orange locally, posted revenues in excess of EUR 1.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009 and a 0.7 percent growth year on year.
Otilia Haraga