Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. ("Noritsu") and Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") have reached a basic agreement to establish a broad business alliance designed to further consolidate and develop their printing equipment businesses. The board of directors of each company approved the proposed alliance at their respective April 21 meetings.
On September 17, 2002, Noritsu and Epson signed a memorandum of understanding on a strategic alliance to develop and market a digital minilab (a high-speed, compact, commercial photofinishing system) for Noritsu using Epson inkjet devices and technology. The partners have since sought to strengthen their alliance, which has produced the dDP series of "dry" inkjet minilabs as well as other photofinishing systems, including the M300*1 and D701*2.
These products have helped equip the photofinishing market to provide consumers with the ability to conveniently get their photos printed and processed "anytime and anywhere." The partners have also contributed, in a small way, to preserving the environment via photofinishing systems that conserve energy and that do not emit liquid waste.
Under the new alliance, Noritsu and Epson will extend cooperation beyond minilabs and into industrial printing systems, a segment where the partners will collaborate on joint development projects and support each others' development programs. In addition to mutually complementing each other and efficiently using their management resources, the alliance partners will seek to maximize the benefits of collaboration while strengthening their position and presence in both segments.
Epson Australia
www.epson.com.au
