Press Releases
SpeechEasy Expands International Distribution
Interton to Distribute Advanced Speech Fluency Devices in Europe
Greenville, North Carolina - January 6, 2005 - SpeechEasy International, LLC - the global marketing and distribution company for SpeechEasy fluency devices - today announced it has signed a European distribution agreement with Interton, a leading provider of technologically advanced hearing aids and related devices, headquartered in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany.
Under the terms of the agreement, Interton will custom assemble SpeechEasy devices at its Bergisch-Gladbach manufacturing plant, and distribute them via speech therapists in 34 nations throughout Europe and Scandinavia.
"Joining forces with Interton will enable us to bring the most advanced speech fluency technology directly to European consumers, who until now had to travel to the United States to receive a SpeechEasy device," said Darwin Richards, manager for SpeechEasy International, LLC. "We are pleased to work with such a respected new partner as we move aggressively to duplicate on a global scale the success SpeechEasy has achieved in the U.S."
"We are delighted to enter into a relationship with SpeechEasy International that will bring the company's remarkable technology to the European marketplace," said Stephan Sagolla, Interton's managing director. "The SpeechEasy device offers people who stutter a unique opportunity to improve their fluency. It will be a very valuable addition to our line of products."
SpeechEasy is recognized as the most advanced, best-selling electronic fluency device to help people who stutter speak more fluently. It is distributed in the United States by Janus Development Group, and sold through a nationwide network of ASHA (American Speech Hearing Association) certified Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs).
It is estimated that just over one percent of the world's population stutters, which includes about three million people in the United States, and nearly seven million people in the 34 markets covered under the distribution agreement announced today.
About SpeechEasy
SpeechEasy is a portable and inconspicuous fluency-enhancing device that can help people who stutter speak more fluently with less effort. It is available in a variety of styles and models that are custom fitted and programmed for each individual user. The device was developed by a team of communication disorder researchers at East Carolina University, and is marketed exclusively in the United States by Janus Development Group. In addition to the 34 countries announced above, SpeechEasy is also currently available in Canada, South Africa, Norway, Columbia, and Israel. More information about SpeechEasy is available at www.speecheasy.com.
About SpeechEasy International, LLC
SpeechEasy International, LLC (SEI) was founded in August 2003 as a joint venture between Janus Development Group and manufacturing partner Micro-DSP (ChengDu, China). SEI is currently seeking additional distribution partners in Asia and the Pacific Rim markets.
About Interton
Interton is a leading provider of technologically superior hearing aids and related devices. Based in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany, the company maintains a U.S. manufacturing plant in Plymouth, Minnesota. Its parent company, Tuerk & Tuerk, was founded in 1962. Today, Interton manufactures and sells nearly 80 different types of hearing aids in more than 50 countries. More information about Interton is available at www.interton.com or www.interton-usa.com.
