Cree just announced a deal with Zumbotel to sell Cree’s LED recessed lighting products in Europe. Zumbotel will sell the products under two brand names: Zumbotel and Thorn. In the first year, they intend to sell 50,000 units of the 230V version of Cree’s LR6 luminaire. These lights deliver the same amount of light as a 75-watt bulb, but use only 12 watts of power and can last up to 20 years. In 2009, the companies expect to expand their business relationship into other products.

Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO, says that Zumbotel is

"a forward-thinking, market-leading lighting company that understands that LED technology is changing the industry, and they want to help lead the change. This strategic agreement is targeted to accelerate the LED lighting revolution across Europe by providing customers with energy-efficient and long-lasting products that save energy, save money and help protect the environment."