Updated: Anyware founding partners bust-up

Anyware Computer Accessories is restructuring its business, following Garrison Huang's takeover of the whole company.

Huang will be taking charge of the Sydney and Brisbane business of the accessories distributor, which was run under his partner Victor Lee and they have now split. Huang previously ran the distributor’s Melbourne office.

Huang said the move was part of an internal restructure, which will be in place as of March 15. A source close to the company said the two partners did not get along, but Huang strenuously denied this, claiming the pair retained a very successful partnership over the years.

Lee started the distribution business in 1996 as Elsa Australia. The Anyware name came into effect during the 2001-2002 financial year.

“This restructuring has ended a longstanding partnership between the two companies and its two directors,” Huang said. “We developed different ideas and opinions in the future of the business. Everything has an end. It’s still a good ending and it’s a good thing for both of us.

“We can now enhance the business and have a united Anyware.”

Huang said Lee would now focus on developing his e-commerce business.

“He [Lee] has a developed a new business interest and has chosen to try something else,” Huang said. “I wish him all the best.”

The majority of Anyware’s staff will be retained, but Huang didn’t rule out making redundancies.

“We haven’t counted how many staff we have, but we’re still going through this process. We’re entering into a transitional period,” he said. He would not disclose how much was paid to take over the Sydney and Brisbane.

Anyware also has offices in Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand. The Anyware brand will be maintained. Huang saw the changes as a positive move for its resellers and partners.

“Recently, there has been some rumours and negative news, but now things are clear on the table,” he said. “Anyware’s business will move forward and we’ll develop a better relationship with resellers. We’re going to be brining in more products and help our resellers gain better margins.”

The distributor recently struck up a new deal with Swedish-based vendor, Fractal Design, which produces computer enclosures, power supplies, remote controls, keyboards, cooling devices and external storage and media centre products.

Going forward, Huang said he was extremely confident in Anyware’s future. He flagged a new pricing structure in order to improve reseller margins was on the cards.

“We will continue to service our channel and work with our partners by brining in more innovative and niche products into the Australian and New Zealand market,” Huang said.

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