MSEL last closed over $1 on September 13, 2000. When do they get delisted?
Merisel Names New E-Services Business
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2000--Merisel Inc. (Nasdaq:MSEL) today announced that its new e-services subsidiary will operate under the name Optisel.
The company will be the first of its kind in the Commerce Service Provider industry segment. The new company will offer a complete menu of turnkey e-services to manufacturers and brick-and-mortar retailers interested in growing Internet revenues while avoiding the high cost associated with systems implementation and warehousing.
Optisel's product offering will include logistics and distribution, e-commerce order management, Web development and design, marketing services, interactive call center management, product return and resell management, and customer service.
Optisel's suite of services, which the company believes will be more comprehensive than any available today, will include state-of-the-art e-services supported by Siebel 2000, SAP 4.6, and Merisel's customized warehouse management system technology (MILES).
Merisel's warehouse facilities located in Chicago, Ill., and Hayward, Calif., will be consolidated into the newly formed company. These facilities will be a focal point for prospective customers looking for a world-class logistics partner specializing in e-commerce operations.
Optisel's IT-based business solutions will utilize Merisel's and Value America's prior investment of $120 million dollars in IT systems to support its new Siebel and SAP undertakings. This technological infrastructure also includes Merisel's state-of-the-art MILES warehouse management system, which has historically operated with a shipping accuracy of 99.993 percent.
Optisel's IT-based business will have a capacity exceeding 1.5 million orders per month as initially configured and will be backed up with a hot-site disaster recovery system. The operating system will offer interfaces to Merisel's in-house logistics operations and may be linked to a client or third-party warehouse operation. Optisel's internal logistics capacity, today, is planned to exceed 600,000 orders per month.
The market potential for e-commerce services is compelling. Jupiter Research estimates that consumer spending on the Internet could reach $200 billion by 2005. Besides offering a lucrative selling channel to reach additional consumers, the Internet offers distinct business advantages including better relationship handling between business partners, the opportunity for a global presence, and reduced selling costs. Forrester Research projects that by 2003 residential transactions will increase to 2.1 billion per year.
"Businesses cannot afford to pass up the opportunities that the Internet has to offer. Optisel plans on leveraging these factors to grow its business. Going forward, Optisel's e-services segment of the business will become one of Merisel's primary focuses," said David Sadler, chief executive officer of Merisel and Optisel.
"We are combining the infrastructure and experience of one of the largest e-commerce companies with one of the most recognized distribution companies in the industry and offering unmatched value to the marketplace."
Merisel Inc. is a distributor of technology products to resellers throughout North America and a provider of logistics services. Merisel supports the growth of its partners with flexible financing options, expert technical support, business-development services, training opportunities, certified product configuration, progressive e-business solutions, and world-class logistics services. Visit Merisel at www.merisel.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release constitute forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Merisel's actual results could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking information. Among the factors that could impact actual results are demand trends in the computer products industry, competitive issues, inventory risks from shifts in product demand, changes in manufacturer terms and conditions, and other items detailed in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
CONTACT:
Merisel Inc., Charlottesville, Va.
Susan Littleton, 804/951-4225
slittleton@va.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA ILLINOIS VIRGINIA |
