TOSHIBA AMERICA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC. INCREASES PRESENCE IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA WITH ACQUISITION OF LATIN AMERICAN BUSINESS UNIT OF DANKA BUSINESS SYSTEMS
IRVINE , California ( Sep 27, 2005 ) :
Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. (TABS) today announced the acquisition of the Latin American business unit of Danka Business Systems PLC (NASDAQ: DANKY). With this acquisition TABS will now operate six companies in six countries in Central and South America. This expansion of TABS’ presence into the burgeoning Latin American marketplace parallels its Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS) division’s existing U.S. dealer acquisition strategy, supporting the overall objective of bolstering the company’s operations by acquiring large dealers in top markets.
“We are pleased to have concluded this transaction with Danka, which remains one of our premier business partners,” said Rick Taylor, incoming president and CEO, TABS. “This acquisition gives us a solid direct presence in Latin America to complement our already robust independent dealer channel. We foresee tremendous market opportunities in the Central and South American markets for Toshiba.”
The Latin American operations that TABS acquired from Danka serve Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, and will transition to operate under the TBS name in the near future.
“We are excited to have finalized this sale with Toshiba,” said Todd Mavis, CEO, Danka. “As a Toshiba partner for many years, we are especially happy about selling our Latin American business unit to such a strong business, and know our customers will continue to receive the highest quality products and service.”
About Danka Business Systems
Danka delivers value to clients worldwide by using its expert technical and professional services to implement effective document information solutions. As one of the largest independent providers of enterprise imaging systems and services, the company enables choice, convenience, and continuity. Danka’s vision is to empower customers to benefit fully from the convergence of image and document technologies in a connected environment. This approach will strengthen the company’s client relationships and expand its strategic value.
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 has four divisions: the Electronic Imaging Division. Toner Products Division; Document Solutions Engineering Division; and Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS), which operates a national network of wholly owned subsidiaries.
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 markers for the industry. Among the many other awards garnered in recent years, Toshiba was named the “Copier Manufacturer of the Year” six times by the Marketing Research Consultants (MRC), and has twice been named to the CIO 100 for being among the top 100 “bold” (2005) and “agile” (2004) companies in the world.
TABS is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the sixth largest electronics/electrical equipment company and the world's 72nd largest company in terms of sales. Ranked by Fortune magazine as the 9th Most Admired Electronics Company in the World, Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. Fiscal year revenue in 2004 was approximately $55 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.