Microsoft has appointed Gem Distribution UK as sole distributor of its Xbox console, software and peripherals for the British and Irish markets. Gem will be responsible for Xbox sales and marketing activities across the indirect retail channel when the Xbox arrives in Europe in the first quarter of next year.

Gem is a subsidiary of DCC, which is listed on the Irish and London stock exchanges. Xbox is Microsoft's future-generation video game system which will be available in North America from next month.