Bombardier and TAG end 40 year sales relationship

Bombardier has ended its 40 year releationship with TAG Aviation for sales in the Middle East and Africa, the Canadian manufacturer has said. In a statement announcing the split, Bombardier said the move was as a result of a change in Bombardier's strategic approach to aircraft sales.
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“Bombardier and TAG Aeronautics have amicably elected to end their contractual agreements,” it said.
TAG Aeronautics served as Bombardier's exclusive sales representative and distributor for new Challenger and Global series aircraft in 21 Middle Eastern and North African countries for almost 40 years. With this strategic shift, Bombardier will be now assume all sales activities previously held by TAG Aeronautics.
"We are adapting our business model to capitalize on growing market opportunities around the world and will focus on direct interaction with our customers," said Bombardier president and CEO Alain Bellemare. "I would like to thank TAG Aeronautics for decades of loyal services, and for successfully helping open a key region for Bombardier aircraft."
Mansour Ojjeh, CEO, TAG Group said "We appreciate Bombardier's new philosophy and sales approach in response to changing market conditions," said. "I am pleased to say that reaching a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties was uncomplicated thanks to the shared respect engendered by our longstanding and very productive relationship. The TAG Group remains a Bombardier Business Aircraft customer and believes without question that Bombardier has the best product line in the business."
Over the past few decades, TAG Aeronautics and Bombardier have worked together to develop and expand the business aircraft market in the Middle East and North Africa. In the last five years, approximately one third of overall business jet deliveries in the region have been Bombardier aircraft.
"Bombardier is firmly committed to the Middle East and Africa, and our in-region sales team is well equipped to ensure all customers find the ideal business jet for their needs," said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "We are confident that private aviation in the region will continue to grow."