Founded by Nestor Almeida in 1987, relocated from São Paolo after two years’ trading to build its brand portfolio at its current HQ in Rio de Janeiro. As well as being an equipment equipment, Sterling is now also an integrator for audio, video, signal transmission/receiving, satellite, fibre-optics, Cat5, DTH, HDTV, IPTV and digital signage.

‘We only handle top line products,’ says Almeida, who was a member of the original engineering department at the large Rio-based network, TV Globo, when it was founded in 1965. ‘With sales and support partners covering all of Brazil – and some countries in South America – we look forward to building the Optocore brand profile.

‘We had been talking to the company for several years because I could see that the product was different and presented many opportunities for fibre transmission,’ he adds. ‘We are now delighted to formalise this relationship. We are certain that Optocore will quickly become recognised by helping to establish networks in a variety of broadcast and live events.’

Expediting Optocore’s entry into the country will be the new ATA Carnet – an international Customs document which allows the temporary importation of professional equipment for events or trade fairs to the 70 countries who form part of the ATA Carnet convention.

‘We are acutely aware of the crucial role played by Optocore systems in major events such as the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics,’ he says. ‘This will be perfect for when Brazil hosts the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics — as the new agreement means we can import large racks of equipment, knowing it can remain for a period of 12 months without being eligible for duty.’