System builder Imerge shuts UK doors

US parent Nortek Inc decides to pull out of UK as part of restructure

Closing doors: Imerge is set to shut up shop in the UK

System builder Imerge is set to cease operating in the UK as US parent company Nortek looks to restructure its business.

On its web site – the Cambridge-based firm describes itself as ‘one of the world’s premier manufacturers and developers of movie and music-focussed entertainment servers’.

In an email sent to customers earlier this week, chief executive Cameron Wade, revealed the company would begin a ‘phased withdrawal’ from the UK.

“It is with great regret that I must inform you today that effective immediately, Imerge Ltd is ceasing all business operations,” he said. “This decision has been made by Nortek Inc, our parent company, as part of a larger restructuring of its Home Technology Group of companies. As many of you may know, we had hoped to emerge from this difficult transition period with a new business partner at our side.

“Unfortunately, and in spite of the great reputation enjoyed by our company, products and most importantly, people, we were not able to succeed in this quest,” he added.

The email said that the firm will ‘continue to provide the highest levels of support’ to customers during the phased closure period, with a UK team available for two weeks. After that customers are referred to a US-based number.

Wade added: “Speaking for the entire Imerge team, I want to thank you for all your support. Together we made history several times over and we had great fun in the process.”

The company refused to comment when contacted by CRN.

Bell Micro is one distributor that works with Imerge in the UK and which is monitoring the situation carefully.

Eddie Pacey, director of credit at Bell Micro, said: “We are a supplier to the company and we are watching developments.”