F&P Appliances ties knot with Noel Leeming

Whiteware manufacturer Fisher & Paykel Appliances has signed an exclusive dealer agreement with Noel Leeming.

Fisher & Paykel and Whirlpool products will be sold in Noel Leeming's 45 stores from late April.

Other retailers in exclusive arrangements with Appliances include Smiths City and Powerstore in the South Island, Farmers stores nationwide, independently owned Appliance Connexion stores as well as some independently owned Retravision stores.

Last year Harvey Norman decided not to renew its exclusive agreement with F&P Appliances, after a seven year partnership, saying customers wanted more choice.

In other news F&P Appliances will take over distribution of Whirlpool products in Singapore from March 21.

F&P Appliances already has exclusive rights to distribute Whirlpool in New Zealand and last year signed deals to supply Whirlpool to the US Lowes home improvement chain.

Last month F&P Appliances warned it expected to post a net profit of between $63 million and $68m for the year ending March -- about 14 per cent less than previously forecast.

Shares in the company were up 13c, or 4 per cent, to $3.40 in morning trade today, having ranged between $3.06 and $4.92 over the past 12 months.

- NZPA