Frost & Sullivan Award Recognises Cycleon as Niche Player of the Year in the European Reverse Logistics Market

LONDON -

The 2009 Frost & Sullivan Niche Player of the Year Award in the European reverse logistics market is presented to Cycleon Netherlands B.V. in recognition of the company’s pioneering efforts in the reverse logistics niche segment. The company has grown astronomically since it’s inception in 2005-2006. In 2008, the company’s revenue growth rate was an impressive 520 per cent, while its parcel volume growth rate was an equally exceptional 1,121.0 per cent.

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“Cycleon’s customers have benefited from its innovative solutions for end-to-end returns management that help drive customer loyalty throughout the entire product lifecycle,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Prasanna Sriraman. “Covering 27 markets in Europe and powered by a proprietary returns management system, Cycleon can manage the full complexity of a modern reverse logistics solution. Higher transparency of returns, extremely low loss rates and a made-to-order IT platform coupled with high customer satisfaction in the niche reverse logistics market make Cycleon the deserving recipient of this award.”

Cycleon’s solutions span consumer electronics, retail, information and communication technology (ICT), imaging and printing and medical devices. The company’s best-in-class solution offerings include try-and-buy, warranty, e-commerce, service parts, product recalls and end-of-life product returns.

“Reverse logistics, which has been seen traditionally as only a cost driver, has emerged as a value driver, primarily due to Cycleon’s efforts at spreading awareness about the benefits of an efficient reverse supply chain,” notes Sriraman. “Cycleon has demonstrated to its clients that reverse logistics has a significant impact on the bottom line, by deriving value out of returns, and by improving customer loyalty.”

The unique selling proposition of Cycleon includes full track and trace, transparency and control, a proprietary IT system, a hassle-free uReturn label and strategic tie ups with postal networks to ensure pan-European coverage.

The proprietary IT system developed by Cycleon allows clients, end-users and other stakeholders track and trace facility throughout the return process, complemented by unprecedented rich data. The entire returns process is carried out in a transparent manner, enabling product visibility at all stages including transportation, warehousing, sorting and, disposition.

Cycleon offers pan-European reverse logistics solutions as it has tied up with national postal networks and other logistic network providers, which makes it easier for consumers to send back their returns. Cycleon provides a seamless end-to-end returns process by providing a unique uReturn label which guarantees a hassle-free return process for the customers.

“Cycleon’s proprietary IT system for reverse logistics is distinguished from most companies which use software designed with forward logistics as their objective,” comments Sriraman. “The IT platform, tailor made for reverse logistics, helps in the effective management of both package and information flow. The outstanding aspect of the indigenous IT system is the flexibility to implement tailor made solutions to suit client needs.”

Leading companies like Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Brother, Epson, Konica Minolta, Samsung, Nike, New Balance and Nokia are among its prestigious clients. To keep ahead of its competitors, the company is currently focusing on the upcoming markets of e-commerce returns, warranty returns and product recalls. In terms of product recalls alone, it has already executed numerous product recalls between 2005 and 2007, among them one of the largest product recall in the consumer electronics segment.

The Niche Player of the Year Award is presented to a company that has demonstrated excellence in its market by successfully offering a highly focused product line within its specific market segment. The Award recognises the company’s dedicated commitment to developing a successful service or product line in a single segment. Additionally, the company has demonstrated sound business and marketing strategies to ensure market success.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Cycleon

Cycleon is the only dedicated pan-European reverse logistics company, developing innovative solutions for end-to-end returns management that help drive customer loyalty throughout the entire product lifecycle. Covering 27 markets in Europe and powered by a proprietary returns management system, Cycleon can manage the full complexity of a modern reverse logistics solution. As part of the RLG Group, Cycleon has the intellectual and financial backing of a European group of companies specialized in reverse logistics. Cycleon is committed to developing innovative reverse logistics solutions that meet changing needs in end-of-life, (out of) warranty, try-and-buy (distant selling), e-commerce and product recalls.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit www.frost.com.

Contact: Catherine Brassell Promotions Coordinator - EMEA Best Practices catherine.brassell@frost.com P: +44-207-915-7867 www.frost.com

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Catherine Brassell, Promotions Coordinator - EMEA Best Practices of Frost & Sullivan, +44-207-915-7867, catherine.brassell at frost.com; Logo: https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO