Cobalt International, the brand who became famous for releasing probiotic fish food, supplements and their Neotherm aquarium heater has entered into a part distribution and support agreement with Eheim for the North American market.
Sources close to the matter inform us Eheim “cleaned house” and removed their entire American sales/support headquarters with a recent strategy change. Cobalt formed Ultra Distribution Services to handle support, part sales and warranty processes for the North American market for Eheim Aquatics.
The initial support agreement with Cobalt Aquatics could be a test for a larger strategy in which Ultra Distribution services will play a larger role in the future.
The direct trade/sales of equipment and supplies will still be handled by Eheim, except not from their now closed US offices, but rather their European Offices. Our sources question whether Eheim is really committed to the North American market or feeling the heat with increased competition from other brands that have grown recently. We echo those concerns.
According to the new Eheim Aquatics website that was part of the new agreement, only four stores are listed as carrying Eheim products per the store locator. With such a large brand like Eheim closing their US Offices hobbyists might look elsewhere for aquarium accessories like pumps, filters and other products for their fish tank.
