NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Diebold Inc. says it expects to sign a deal with General Business Machines to form a direct operation that will offer Diebold solutions to customers in Central America and the Caribbean.
According to a news release, GBM has been Diebold's distributor in that region for more than 15 years, providing Diebold with a strategic presence in a key Latin American market. The new operation, expected to be effective Jan. 1, will operate under the name Diebold Central America. Its main objectives will be to provide extended coverage and improved services for financial industry and security customers in each country in the region.
Diebold intends to purchase a controlling share of GBM's ATM-distribution business. The deal is not expected to affect the balance of GBM's enterprise, which primarily offers IBM solutions to businesses throughout Central America. In the new combined operation, Diebold will provide its expertise in sales and service for financial self-service and security products, and GBM will lend its knowledge of the Central American market and the continuity of its experience as Diebold's distributor in the region.
The companies expect to finalize the agreement by the end of the year.
Diebold Central America will be based in San Jose, Costa Rica, and will have approximately 50 employees. Jose Ardon will serve as general manager.
"The agreement to form Diebold Central America will allow us to introduce new solution sets to the region, such as electronic and physical security products, imaging capabilities and outsourcing-infrastructure and expertise," said Miguel A. (Mike) Mateo, Diebold's vice president and general manager for Latin America. "GBM, which has a well-established IT presence in Central America, will provide us a talented foundation and recognizable name upon which to leverage our own, direct presence."
