After Merits, Shoprider – It Is Now Kymco

Just a few days ago we referenced and commented on the changing face of the distribution channel in the homecare industry in the US and Europe.

In that article we highlighted by way of example Merits (a general homecare manufacturer) and Shoprider (predominantly a scooter manufacturer).

Kymco, a motor cycle manufacturer based out of Taiwan has now established Kymco Healthcare in the UK where they will now have a direct local presence – in fact they are busy recruiting a sales organization.

From OEM product introduction to direct in about 3 years or so. Not bad.

So what? Well it is just another example of where an OEM relationship established by healthcare companies that have shared their product and market expertize has led to a direct market entrance by the Asian manufacturer.

Innovate in the distribution channel or else.

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About Frank Barlin

Frank is the founder and managing partner at Sibaya. He provides recognized leadership in homecare consulting and has advised firms ranging in size from those listed on the NYSE and the LSE to early stage startups. Frank’s international experience is broad-based, having spent his professional life based in Europe, the United States and South Africa. Prior to founding Sibaya in 2002 he was European Vice President for a publicly traded healthcare company. In addition he has held various country general management positions and directorships. Recent home healthcare projects include European business development, acquisition strategy and advice, competitive benchmarking, Asian outsourcing and turnaround management. He works out of the Paris office.

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