January 15, 2014 (Basel, Switzerland)–Oettinger Davidoff AG is reorganising its distribution in Spain. The collaboration with the local Spanish partner Proein SA has been terminated with effect from January 1, 2014. The distribution of Oettinger Davidoff products in Spain will be transferred to Davidoff of Geneva Iberia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oettinger Davidoff AG, during the first half of 2014.

“By setting up this new company, Oettinger Davidoff AG is affirming its confidence in the important and promising Iberian Peninsula market”, says Oettinger Davidoff CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard. “Spain is designated as one of Oettiger Davidoff’s priority markets and on the back of the best economic data coming out of Spain since April 2011, I could not think of a more appropriate time to establish our own company in one of the world’s most important cigar markets. We will be able to take Davidoff and other Oettinger Davidoff brands to the next level, thanks to the strong platform Proein has been building over the last almost 40 years.”

Oettinger Davidoff AG acknowledges the great commitment and success of Proein over the years. “The Proein team’s expertise has played a crucial role in our success in Spain”, adds Albert Manzone, Senior Vice President Europe of Oettinger Davidoff. “We would like to thank Juan Antonio Pérez Ramirez and the Proein organization for their great commitment with which they have established not only Davidoff but also other brands from the Oettinger Davidoff product range in Spain.”

Oettinger Davidoff AG intends to retain the Proein employees in the new business unit. “During the transitional phase, we will continue to work as before”, states Pedro Mazagatos Uriarte, appointed by Oettinger Davidoff to lead the future subsidiary Davidoff of Geneva Iberia. “Proein’s José Maria Baselga will act as co-director until the new subsidiary is established. The sales and part-time personnel will be offered new employment contracts on equivalent terms.”

Albert Manzone adds: “The formula for success in Spain is focusing on and prioritising investment in our key brands, and particularly in Davidoff, providing innovation and great customer experiences as we strive to become the Spanish retailer’s indispensable business partner.”

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.