Ingram Content Group announces worldwide expansion with the launch of Global CONNECT, a print and distribution program and its first alliance with Brazil’s Singular Digital
(Press Release) RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Ingram Content Group Inc. today announced the launch of Global CONNECT, a new worldwide program combining Ingram’s print and distribution services and a network of book manufacturers the world, with state-of-the-art print on demand technology and connectivity to local networks of retailers. Singular Digital, a leading book manufacturer in Brazil with extensive regional distribution, will launch Ingram’s South American expansion.
“Today's marketplace is no longer bound by national borders or languages. Global access offers publishers an untapped opportunity, and Ingram is reshaping the content distribution model to help them realize their full business potential,” said David “Skip” Prichard, President and CEO, Ingram Content Group. “The pairing of Ingram’s distribution strength and proven print-on-demand solutions with leading providers in key territories creates a comprehensive solution that is truly unmatched in the industry today.”
Mr. Prichard continued, “Making the right content available, in the right format, to the right audience is key to success. Ingram’s Global Connect program was built to accomplish this for our customers on a worldwide scale.”
Ingram’s Global Connect program is more than just a printer network. It expands the reach of publisher’s physical content beyond Ingram’s current channels, which include Ingram-owned facilities in the U.S., U.K., Australia and France, to new markets through a network of selected book manufacturing and distribution partners. What differentiates Ingram’s Global Connect program from other printer network solutions is the unique combination of print on demand alliances with established local retail channel relationships. Publishers will gain access to new sales channels without the worry of inventory in market, importation and customs issues, and shipping and warehousing costs. No matter where their readers are, publishers can now reach them and never miss a sale.
Ingram’s alliance with Singular Digital, owned by Ediouro Holding, one of the largest media publishing groups in the country, offers publishers access to high-quality printed books and established relationships with the leaders in online, chain and independent booksellers and distributors in the South American region.
“Brazil’s publishing industry is clearly growing—bookstore sales were up 9.6% in 2010— but we are looking to the international publishing community for content and partnerships to help us continue this upward trend,” said Carlo Carrenho, Executive Director of Singular Digital. “Ingram is a clear leader in the content distribution space, and we are pleased to be a part of their Global Connect program for the South American market.”
He continued, “Emerging opportunities in Brazil and the influx of new titles made available to local consumers through Global Connect will only serve to enhance sales for all that participate.”
Books printed by Singular Digital and other Global Connect partners will adhere to the same specifications and quality standards of Ingram’s Lightning Source. Publishers that print and distribute books with Lightning Source will define markets for each title in the program. Lightning Source will maintain file integrity and security as well as reporting and payment remittance to publishers in the same manner as it does today.
“It shouldn’t be necessary to have relationships with multiple printers, distributors, and retailers to expand the reach of good content to consumers worldwide,” said Philip Ollila, Chief Content Officer, Ingram Content Group Inc. “Our Global Connect program gives publishers a single comprehensive source to get their books in the hands of readers worldwide.”
Geographic expansion in the Far East, central Europe and South America is expected to be complete by the end of 2011. Ingram targeted expansion in these regions because of projected market growth and sales potential for customers. Additional locations are currently being explored for further expansion.
About Singular Digital
Focused on print-on-demand, digital books and self-publishing, Singular Digital creates sales and profitability opportunities in Brazil for foreign and Brazilian publishers, authors, and digital content through a solid digital content distribution platform that includes print-on-demand book manufacturing. The company is the only complete broad-based digital distributor in Brazil, serving over 1,000 Brazilian bookstores - including all the major chains - all the Brazilian book distributors, and the local author and publisher communities. Singular Digital was founded in 2009 under Ediouro Holding, one of the largest Brazilian publishing groups, that operates in the areas of printing, book publishing, magazine publishing, crosswords publishing and education. For more information visit www.singulardigital.com.br.
About Ingram
Ingram Content Group Inc. provides a broad range of physical and digital services to the book industry. Ingram’s operating units are Ingram Book Company, Lightning Source Inc., Ingram Digital, Vital Source Technologies, Inc., Ingram Periodicals Inc., Ingram International Inc., Ingram Library Services Inc., Spring Arbor Distributors Inc., Ingram Publisher Services Inc., Tennessee Book Company LLC, and Coutts Information Services. For more information, visit www.ingramcontent.com.