Latin America. Merlin Video was founded in 1985 in the city of Campinas - São Paulo by Fernando Carlos A. Marchiore, who with an entrepreneurial outlook decided to invest in the video area without knowing the great proportions that this market would take.
It all started with a small maintenance shop on video equipment. Over the years, this demand began to grow considerably, he concluded that it was the exact time to expand the company's business. From that moment, Merlin began a new cycle: the sale of video equipment such as cameras, tripods and small accessories.
With the audiovisual on the rise, new producers, studios, videomakers and filmmakers emerged. Hand in hand with all of them, sales began to increase significantly. Once again, Merlin would undergo a transformation that would change his destiny forever.
For being an ideal, complete company with very bold objectives for its growth and the professional development of its clients, the large manufacturers of the audiovisual market, began to recognize Merlin as a potential association company, beginning the official and exclusive representations of important brands in the broadcast industry.
Merlin under the magnifying glass: with expert eyes
Executives of the international brands represented by Merlin were asked about the company's performance throughout its 38-year history:
Nick Rashby, President of AJA Video Systems, said: "Merlin has achieved a lot since opening its doors nearly four decades ago, becoming a trusted technology distributor in Latin America. It has a strong reputation that speaks for itself. It distributes proven technology from leading brands and is led by an incredible team of professionals; they also provide an exceptional level of sales service and support to AJA customers in the region." In this regard, the executive added: "His team has worked closely with ours; listened to and responded to our requests to generate excellent sales results across the region, while helping us continue to build visibility for the AJA brand across the region."
Manny Rosado, Territory Manager and Field Specialist of AJA Video Systems, provided another complement to the vision of the president of the company: "AJA sought to unify the distribution brand, as we have done in Europe and Asia. We had many changes in the distribution format for the region and the truth is that Merlin was the only company that managed to stay standing. At first, we had decided only to take over the Brazilian market and that other distributors would take over Central America, Mexico and North America. But the truth is, in one way or another, they have all failed. They didn't exactly meet our demands, and Merlin did."
Fabio Zuccaratto Migotto, Broadcast & Cinema Manager, PIS - Professional Imaging Solutions at Canon, shared his testimony: "After so long operating in the professional market, I see Merlin as a solid company, acting with a lot of responsibility and dynamism in this market. Its addition in the operation is to be able to offer all its customers quick solutions, ranging from the commercial area, effective logistics, installation, training and customer satisfaction." He also highlighted: "Merlin works very efficiently throughout Latin America, which allows us to have the opportunity to expand business in all categories: cinema solutions, professional video, lenses, PTZ, displays and mirrorless."
Ricardo Santos, Regional Sales Manager of Datavideo is an old acquaintance of Merlin, since his first contact with the company was as a client, back in 1992. "By then you could see the commitment of Edson and his team to serve their customers. Soon after, we realized that this way of helping customers was something that came from Fernando Marchiore, founder of Merlin, who had a passion for what he did." The executive said: "Merlin has always been characterized by its commitment, zeal and concern for the market. This propelled it to be the main distributor for Latin America of many international brands."
He explained that the representation of Datavideo began in 2012 and continues to this day. "The main focus was Brazil, but over the years we realized that their commitment to our brand could help us improve results in Latin America in general. This change was made in form, was well thought out and discussed by all parties. Today we have Merlin as our Master Distributor for Latin America, serving all our resellers with agility and commitment."
Emina Kabic, Co-Founder & CFO of Hedbox Group said: "As a leading technology company, Merlin has a strong commitment to its work. Quality of service, innovation at work, excellent customer service and above-average management. From Hedbox's perspective, this is undoubtedly an experience of excellence in the Latin American market and, as we all know, this market has strong growth and could lead to outstanding business expansions. With a great social network and excellent interactions with our industry community and customers, with their great enthusiasm for professional business and their desire to help the market and give their best, I personally believe this is the best added value Merlin offers."
Sergio Constantino, General Manager Operations for Latin America, JVC Professional Video Products | JVCKenwood USA Corporation, acknowledged: "There are few companies that have the same longevity as Merlin, going through all the critical periods we had in our segment during this period, and demonstrating vitality and reliability for customers and suppliers. The fact that, despite working with the distribution of companies that are often competitors with each other, they manage to develop the market with aggressive marketing and sale of products without direct conflicts. When recognizing its added value, he defines: "The adaptability to reinvent oneself, whenever necessary. I think that's the difference that made Merlin the company it is today. Not surprisingly, their work and the results obtained are very important, since they opened new markets and business opportunities for JVC, further strengthening the presence of the brand in several Latin American countries."
Rodrigo Costa, Sales Manager of Panasonic do Brasil, said: "The ability to innovate and adapt to market demands is something to highlight in Merlin's success in these almost four decades. It is a company that manages to add value in many ways, but the most important thing is the way it serves the customer: in a practical, dynamic, effective and respectful way. It gives us great security to have a business partner like Merlin who is able to understand the factory's strategy, define actions together and implement them in a very objective and dynamic way," while emphasizing, "Panasonic is grateful for this successful partnership we have had for more than two decades. This alliance is synonymous with great love and respect for what we do and reflects the growth we have achieved year after year, even in the face of all the adversities imposed by the market. Being able to count on the experience of Merlin's senior management, such as Edson (Marion), (Marcelino), João (Marchiore), is undoubtedly a determining factor for success."
Sergio Botelho Pais, CEO of Roland Brazil , said: "Over the years, Merlin has been a very competent company in all the services and support offered by its network of resellers. It is the ideal partner to develop our video product line in the country", adding: "The union between credibility, solidity, capillarity and presence of Merlin and the technology, quality, support, marketing and guarantee of our product line in Brazil will boost our brand in the market".
Luis Fernando Fabichak, Managing Director of Sony Professional Solutions Brazil , evaluated: "Over the years, Merlin has shown a constant commitment to innovation, technical excellence and customer satisfaction, knowing how to adapt to rapid technological changes in the audio and video industry, keeping up with the latest trends and offering products that meet market demands." When highlighting its main attributes, he said: "The specialized support provided by Merlin is an important differential. The company has a highly trained and experienced team, ready to assist customers at all steps, from choosing the most appropriate products to equipment installation and configuration. This personalized support is valuable as it ensures customers get the maximum benefit from their investments and have peace of mind when dealing with any technical challenge."
Alejandro Alcocer, Sales Director Mexico & Latin America of Zeiss , said: "It is always worth highlighting so many years of experience for a company, so almost four decades in our industry is an important and transcendent milestone without a doubt. Of course, this long trajectory in the professional audiovisual industry of Brazil, and also of Latin America, speaks for itself that it is the added value it offers to its represented and its business partners."
On the other hand, although he pointed out that the relationship between Zeiss and Merlin is recent, he did not hesitate to underline: "We know the professionalism and seriousness in the work of his entire team. Just by seeing the quality of the brands they work with and that trust them, it shows by itself what I testify."
Merlin360º, much more than a specialized service
Today, with 38 years of experience, Merlin stands out as one of the largest brands in the segment of professional video production and broadcast due to the ethical, committed and competent care of its employees.
With several national and international awards, Merlin has been building its legacy every day. In this sense, innovation is part of the great changes that the company has experienced and will continue as many times as necessary.
It is not just a concept, but a global set of actions that are part of a single purpose that is full satisfaction in the acquisition of goods or services offered. A complete experience between business and consumer continuously and consistently in all processes and steps. Far beyond the specialized service, the Merlin360º method helps companies and professionals: identifying, guiding, guiding and satisfying the needs within the universe of video production. It is a strategic evolution that combines multiple channels, services, companies and manufacturers in the same purchasing process, breaking current standards and ensuring safety, agility and quality.
