The Merlion logo embodies the story of a company that grew from a supplier for retail stores into a major IT distributor. Focusing on components and collaborating with manufacturers from the Asia-Pacific region opened new growth opportunities and strengthened its position in the market.
Merlion: Brand overview
Oleg Karchev and Alexey Abramov founded Merlion in 1992 in Krasnogorsk, in the Moscow region of the Russian Federation. Initially, the company focused on computer assembly and cooperation with retail stores, but it soon switched to distributing individual components. By 1995, the company began selling components manufactured in Asia-Pacific countries, particularly motherboards and graphic interfaces.
Over time, Merlion significantly expanded its reach, eventually working with 670 brands, with direct distribution agreements with more than 400. Currently, the company’s affiliates are more than 8000 organizations covering all regions of Russia and CIS countries. The expansion of Merlion’s retail network, including Citilink and Pozitronika stores, as well as its ownership of Russian hardware manufacturer iRU and other well-known labels, has strengthened the company’s presence in the market.
Today, Merlion is the dominant distributor in Russia, operating in various verticals, including computers, digital gadgets, home appliances, office supplies, furniture, and even corporate gifts.
Meaning and History
1992 – today
The Merlion logo is designed in a modern minimalist style, where the textual part is integrated with a striking graphic element that replaces the letter “E.” This element intrigues with its red color and the shape of three wavy stripes. These lines appear dynamic and evoke associations with movement, energy, and constant development—key aspects of a brand associated with technology and innovation. The red color emphasizes activity and strength, adding expressiveness to the emblem.
The rest of the name is rendered in strict black, contrasting with the graphic element. The font is grotesque with minimal rounding, making it modern and versatile. However, the visual mark includes interesting details: the letter “l” appears as a vertical line resembling a pillar, adding stability and visual variety to the text. Additionally, some letters are accented with small triangular serifs that resemble spikes. These subtle features enhance the impression of precision and thoughtfulness.
The company name refers to a mythical creature—half lion, half fish. This symbol is associated with power, leadership, and adaptability. In the context of the logo, the name highlights the brand’s strengths: reliability, confidence, and the ability to adapt to modern challenges.
The three wavy lines create associations with waves, hinting at the maritime origins of the name or the continuous flow of information—the foundation of the company’s activities. Their vertical arrangement adds order and systematicity to the composition.
The combination of black and red colors underscores the brand’s serious and dynamic character. Black symbolizes professionalism and stability, while red represents energy and the drive for progress. This makes the logo striking while maintaining its simplicity and readability.
The Merlion emblem—a name with a graphic element—is a carefully designed composition in which every detail and color has significance. It conveys the brand’s core qualities: dynamism, leadership, and technological reliability.