PRO to distribute Vitec brands and Olympus products in the United States

Photographic Research Organization (PRO), the leading buying group for the North American camera specialty channel, announced two major distribution deals this week. The Fairfield, CT, based buying group has been appointed the independent U.S. photo specialty distributor of Vitec  imaging products, including brands like Manfrotto, Avenger, Joby, Lowepro, Gitzo, Lastolite, and more, as well as a distributor of Olympus camera, lenses, binoculars and voice recorders.

The change in Olympus distribution follows the acquisition of the Olympus Imaging business by Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), operating under the OM Digital Solutions Corp., name.

Due to the large number of Vitec customers who are not part of PRO’s traditional camera dealer network, the group has set up a subsidiary, PRO Distributors, to handle these accounts, says Mark Leonard, COO, PRO.

Products will be distributed from PRO’s warehouse in Hatboro, Pa.