Ricoh has announced CR Kennedy as its new Australian distributor of digital cameras, effective 1 February 2012.

In line with Ricoh’s worldwide acquisition of Pentax in October 2011, the new appointment brings both camera brands under the one distributor in Australia.

Commenting on the move, a Ricoh spokesperson said: “With Ricoh and Pentax now under the same ownership, it made operational sense for both brands to be managed by the one distributor in Australia.

“Tasco was instrumental in assisting us move to the distributor model in Australia and we wish to thank the team for its efforts in successfully managing the Ricoh brand over the past four years.”

Tasco will cease supplying Ricoh cameras on 22 December, however it will continue to manage repairs and warranty claims for Ricoh cameras until the new agreement with CR Kennedy comes into effect. Back orders and any new orders for Ricoh cameras will be filled by CR Kennedy.

Kevin Johnson, Director of Sales, Tasco said working with Ricoh had been an exciting challenge, however the move gave Tasco an opportunity to strengthen other areas of its business.

“Although we are saddened to be parting ways with one of the camera industry’s most innovative brands, the move gives us an opportunity to refocus our efforts on other products in our portfolio.

“Tasco has a strong heritage in photo accessories and optical products and we look forward to continuing our relationships with existing retail partners with brands such as Bushnell, Tasco, LensPen, Optex and Silicon Power,” he said.