Shimano Europe Fishing Tackle has announced plans to extend its distribution agreement with Down South Trading (DST), to include the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area. This partnership, which will start October 1st, will strengthen the distribution channels, availability, warranty and repair services of Shimano fishing tackle products in these markets, which cover Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, among others. Akira Koshimizu, managing director of Shimano Europe Fishing Tackle Division, said: “The DST Team has extensive knowledge and experience in trading in the GCC market. This can only strengthen our distribution channels, which will lead to a better brand presence in the GCC area, thus ensuring that the avid angler can enjoy a wider choice of Shimano products, with reliable after sales service for the Shimano brand.” Grant Pledger (pictured) from DST added: “We are extremely excited to extend our distribution agreement with Shimano to include the GCC area. Our team has had many years’ experience in trading in this territory and we have built up some great trading relations with some enthusiastic and knowledgeable dealers in that area, many of them already loyal Shimano ambassadors. “We have no doubt that we will be able to satisfy the demands of the keen angler in that area with a wide range offering of products, namely Shimano reel, rod and accessory products plus G Loomis and Power...