Industry veteran buys stake in Live Electronics

3rd April 2014

Mick Elliott

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Industry veteran Ian Brown has bought a controlling share in specialist distributor Live Electronics. He will take up a role as marketing director at the company alongside long time managing director Claire Childs. “I’ve known Claire a long time,” Brown told Electronic Specifier. “The opportunity came along to get involved. I can bring sales and marketing expertise which will fit will alongside Claire’s strengths overseeing operations and product management.”

Brown has been in the electronic components industry for 25 years. “I’ve got lots of contacts in suppliers and customers, and will look to use those as we grow the business,” he commented.

He plans to expand the linecard at the electromechanical component specialist with a specific focus on adding to its connector offering. Current suppliers include Cherry, Lorlin, ITW Switches, Dailywell Electronics, Unimax Switch, Star Micronics, Inconnect, Weipu Connector, In2tec and Ultra MSI.

“We’ve got a two deals in the pipeline that we hope to announce in the next couple of months,” said Brown. There also plans to expand the sales team at Live.

Both Brown and Childs have a wealth of experience in the industry. Brown has worked at Omron, where he grew the company’s automotive business from zero to £10m in five years, as well as ITW and Phoenix Contact. Childs’ has held management roles at C&K, Deltron and Abacus.

“We provide customers with the best in product choice and quality, at the right price, and with industry-leading service,” says Claire. “With Ian bringing his experience and skills to the company, we will be able further improve our offering to UK companies who need to source e-mech components.”

“Live Electronics is a great example of how the personal touch is still invaluable in today’s internet world,” says Michael Groom, managing director at ZF Electronics UK (formerly Cherry Electrical Products). “Its success to date is testament to how closely it works with customers – and I’m looking forward to seeing how the company develops further with Ian on board.”