TOSHIBA AMERICA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS REINFORCES STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN WITH ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS METHODS
Leading Western and Central New York Copier Dealer To Strengthen Toshiba Business Solutions Network
IRVINE , California ( Mar 03, 2004 ) :
Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (TABS) today announced it has acquired Business Methods, a leading independent copier dealer based in Rochester, N.Y. and serving the western and central areas of New York.
Business Methods will become part of TABS' Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS) division, a network of acquired Toshiba equipment dealers. In business for 47 years, Business Methods is the 22nd acquisition by TABS since TBS was formed nine years ago. Former Business Methods' owners Steven B. Sauer, Tim O'Neil, and John J. Jabbour will remain with the company continuing their roles as president and executive vice presidents, respectively, running the day-to-day operations.
The acquisition of Business Methods marks Toshiba's first acquisition in calendar year 2004. The acquisition is part of TABS' overall objective to bolster the TBS operation by targeting large independent dealers in the top U.S. markets. TABS has most recently acquired Hawaii Business Equipment, Systems + Solutions in South Florida, Moody Business Associates (MBA) of Hayward, Calif. and OCS of San Antonio, Texas.
"We are very excited to welcome Business Methods and its strong management team into the Toshiba family. We are confident that their new status as a TBS dealership will serve to enhance their already solid reputation for superior customer service and support," said Rick Taylor, senior vice president, Sales, Marketing, Business Operations, TABS. "In addition to advancing the success of our acquired dealerships, the TBS acquisition strategy also has proven extremely successful in further strengthening TABS' market leadership position, which is beneficial to everyone involved."
"Business Methods is proud to join Toshiba. As a result of our new affiliation with TABS, we are planning for an acceleration of our business plan with the expectation of doubling in size over the next five years, benefiting our employees, clients, and the community at large," said Steven B. Sauer, president, Business Methods.
About Business Methods
Business Methods was founded in 1957 as an office equipment company. Today it is a $29 million company that focuses on copier sales with market solutions in three locations covering 28 counties in Western and Central New York. In addition to multifunctional printers and high-end management solutions, Business Methods has another division called AV Solutions that markets innovative, integrated audio-visual equipment. The company's legacy is built on strong business values, with an emphasis on real client satisfaction and phenomenal employees.
"We are proud of our heritage, our unique business culture, and more importantly our quality employees," said Tim O'Neil, executive vice president, Business Methods, and an employee for more than 25 years.
About Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.
Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (TABS) manages product planning, marketing, sales, service support and distribution of copiers, facsimiles, multifunction printing products, network controllers and toner products throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TABS comprises four divisions: the Electronic Imaging Division, Toner Products Division, Document Solutions Engineering Division and Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS), a subsidiary which operates a network of acquired office equipment dealers.
Named the most favored manufacturer in seven of the past eight years by the Business Technology Association (BTA), Toshiba's entire product line, customer support and marketing distribution policies are a marker for the industry. Among the many other awards garnered in recent years, Toshiba was named the "Copier Manufacturer of the Year" by the Marketing Research Consultants (MRC) in 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2002 and received the CIO Web Business award for its leading edge intranet site in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
TABS is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the sixth largest electronics/electrical equipment company and the world's 62nd largest company in terms of sales. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. Fiscal year revenue in 2002 was approximately $47 billion.
For more information on Toshiba copier, facsimile, multifunction printing products, network controllers or toner products, or for a dealer in your area, call 1-800-GO-TOSHIBA or visit the TABS Web site at www.copiers.toshiba.com.