Power-Plate International has appointed Al Kamda General Trading as its new distributor in the UAE.
“We at Al Kamda are very excited at the prospect and opportunities that arise out of a partnership with a world famous brand such as Power- Plate,” said CEO Reg Cox.
Together, the two companies are planning a “high profile re-launch” of the Power- Plate brand, as Al Kamda focuses on continuing to build its reputation in the region over the coming months.
“A comprehensive market launch plan is already in place, to be rolled out in the near future,” confirmed Cox.
The decision to appoint a new distributor comes after former franchise owner, Dubai-based Power-Plate Middle East (Holland Middle East Trading), (PPME (HMET)), became involved in legal action against Power- Plate International on claims of wrongful termination of licence agreements.
Following the take-over of Power-Plate International by an unnamed American investor in February last year, the company’s new management terminated its contract with PPME (HMET), on the grounds of alleged improper conduct under the terms of the licence agreements.
PPME (HMET), which was established in September 2004 by Frans Giezen and his partner Nelke Van Aspert, had previously held the exclusive rights to distribute Power-Plate’s range of vibrating fitness machines throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and several other countries.
The company also operated the Power-Plate Centre, a fitness facility located on Jumeirah Beach Road in Dubai, which closed down on January 1.
“We had to inform all the Power-Plate Centre staff, [who] informed the members directly,” said Giezen.
“All members had the choice either to complete their sessions or, if they preferred, to get a refund.”
Procedural hearings regarding the summary proceedings and challenges arising to these are currently underway at courts in the Netherlands, with court dates set for the end of this month. The proceedings are expected to take anywhere from 12 months to two years to be resolved.
In the statement issued by Power-Plate International, the company told Leisure Manager that, “Power-Plate would like to assure its customers in the Middle East, and around the world, that it remains strong and viable, and it will continue to manufacture and sell high quality fitness products.
“All service, warranty and other obligations to former PPME (HMET) customers will be honoured,” the statement continued.
“Power-Plate International and Al Kamda are not responsible to creditors of PPME (HMET), or to members of its defunct Power- Plate Centre, however.”
New distributor, Al Kamda, already represents a portfolio of sports equipment brands such as Nautilus, Schwinn, Stairmaster, Bowflex, Star Trac and Cleopatra.
Follow us on
