Brightstar Named as Exclusive Handset Provider to Key Verizon Wireless Dealers

MIAMI and CHICAGO, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightstar Corp., the world's largest specialized wireless distributor and a global leader in services and solutions for the wireless industry, has entered into a strategic sourcing and integrated supply chain services agreement with four of Verizon Wireless' largest dealers, including Moorehead Communications (dba as TCC), Go Wireless, A Wireless and Diamond Wireless.

As a result of this multi-year strategic relationship, Brightstar will act as the exclusive handset distributor providing the four dealers with mobile devices. Through the agreement, the dealer group will utilize Brightstar's world-class supply chain services to distribute over two million devices across approximately 1,500 points of sale.

"Brightstar's unmatched supply chain services ensure that we can get the right products we need into our stores more quickly, allowing us to meet customer demand," said Rich Balot, CEO of A Wireless.

The agreement provides the dealers with a suite of Brightstar's supply chain services, including:

• Supply chain management
• Strategic sourcing
• Device management
• Channel management
• Logistics management
• Reverse logistics management
• Asset ownership management

Drawing upon its relationships across the wireless industry and application of deep industry expertise, and its proprietary Virtual Management Inventory solution, Brightstar will integrate directly into the Point of Sale systems of each dealer, which will increase stock availability and assist in maintaining proper inventory levels, while reducing merchandise returns. 

Diamond's President Troy Crosland said of the agreement with Brightstar, "We are excited about working with Brightstar and know that this new relationship will add significant value to Diamond Wireless as we improve our supply chain, increase our product offerings and forge stronger relationships with manufacturers."

"Brightstar's reputation for providing world class supply chain services is key to ensuring our customers have a great sales experience, leading to increased sales, reduced churn and higher customer satisfaction," said Scott Moorehead, CEO of TCC.

"With this agreement, Brightstar is providing supply chain services directly to dealers, a service that has traditionally only been available to operators and retailers," said Marcelo Claure, chairman and CEO of Brightstar. "Brightstar's inventory management services will help the agents ensure they have the most in demand phones their customers want, driving new sales and activations, and increasing customer loyalty to this important Verizon channel."

About Brightstar Corp.

Brightstar is the world's largest specialized wireless distributor and a leading global services company focused on enhancing the performance and profitability of the key participants in the wireless device value chain. The company supports over 80,000 points of sale worldwide with operations in 51 countries and territories and provides a comprehensive range of more than 100 customized services for value-added distribution, supply chain optimization, retail, IT VARs mobility, and consumers. Brightstar's services help customers manage the growing complexity of the wireless device value chain and enable them to increase product availability, expand their channel reach and drive supply chain efficiencies by getting the right products to the right place at the right time for the best value. For more information, please visit www.brightstarcorp.com.

About TCC

TCC is the largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer in the U.S. with more than 800 locations across 28 states. Founded in Marion, Ind., in 1991 by Steve and Phyllis Moorehead, TCC owes its success to its ability to hire top-notch professionals who understand the meaning of customer service. To learn more about TCC or to find a location near you, visit http://www.ecellularconnection.com.

About A Wireless

A Wireless, one of only six National Exclusive Premium Retailers for Verizon Wireless, provides the best possible customer experience, products, and services in the wireless industry with friendliness, integrity, and accountability.  Founded in 1996, A Wireless is a privately-held company headquartered in Greenville, North Carolina. A Wireless currently employs over 600 wireless experts at over 122 locations in twelve states.  For more information, please visit www.myawireless.com, or call (888) 505-4222.

About GoWireless, Inc.

GoWireless, Inc., established in 1995, is an exclusive Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.  GoWireless is a leading Verizon Wireless indirect retailer with over 400 company owned and licensee store locations across the United States.  GoWireless offers consumers a friendly atmosphere, professional salesmanship and industry leading customer service.  For more information about GoWireless, please visit www.gowireless.com or call toll-free (866) 487-1222.

About Diamond Wireless

Diamond Wireless LLC ("Diamond") is a leading provider of wireless solutions for Verizon Wireless in the United States. Diamond is a National retailer and has over 200 locations across the country (full store listing available at www.diamond-wireless.com/store-locator).  The company was founded in 2000 in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a primary strategy to operate premium locations in retail malls capitalizing on foot traffic and high volume sales. Additionally, in recent years Diamond has diversified their strategy to include over 30 premium strip center locations.

For more information, contact:

Michele M. Merrell
Brightstar Corp.
[email protected]
+1.305.421.6000

Megan Lawler
TCC
317.202.2280 x13
[email protected].

Vincent Sheehan
A Wireless
252.317.0388
[email protected]

Dan Kimball
Diamond Wireless
801.424.4261
[email protected]

Melissa Byrd
GoWireless
866.487.1222
[email protected]

Safe Harbor Statement:

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to: the number of devices expected to be purchased by the dealer group; the company's ability to integrate directly into the Point of Sale systems of each dealer enabling increased stock availability and assistance in maintaining proper inventory levels, while reducing merchandise returns; and its ability to help agents ensure they have the most in demand phones and accessories their customers want, driving new sales and activations, and increasing customer loyalty.  All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

SOURCE Brightstar Corp.