UPDATE: Creative Labs ‘Changing Business Model’, (Not) Pulling Out Of Australia?

creative au.pngCreative sent through a release this morning stating that they were changing their business model. Originally I assumed it would have something to do with the new Zii platform, but after reading it through a couple of times, it sounds a lot more like they’re pulling operations out of Australia and running the show from Singapore. Have a read through yourself and tell me what you think:

Creative Labs changing business model

Sydney, Australia – 12 January 2009 – Creative Labs Pty Ltd, a local subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd and worldwide leader in digital entertainment products, today announced a change in business model.

Creative Labs Pty Ltd will be changing their business model in Australia with all the local operations being consolidated from the Singapore Regional Head Office while maintaining its presence in stores through a number of distribution partners like Altech Computers, Multimedia Technology and its online retail partners.

Bernard Koh, Country Manager, ANZ, Creative Labs said: “Like most businesses today, we have been monitoring and analysing the market situation closely and have taken steps in advance to streamline our sales distribution model to better compete in the market. We believe that by changing our business model flexibly, we will better serve our customers and partners.”

For more information, please visit www.au.creative.com

Natuarlly, I’ve asked for Creative to clarify the situation (a search of their website doesn’t actually provide more information) and will update when we get their response. Hopefully there won’t be too many Australian staff effected by this – especially considering the potential excitement the company’s got behind their new Zii platform

UPDATE: Just got this note from Creative:

Creative Labs will continue to operate in Australia and New Zealand. The core sales function will remain on the ground locally and essential support resources will be relocating to Singapore. Maintaining and growing Creative’s brand presence will be a key focus for progression in the times ahead.