TOSHIBA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FURTHER STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN WITH ACQUISITIONS OF CANDLE BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC. AND OFFICE SYSTEMS INC.
Toshiba Business Solutions Expands Market Coverage With 36th and 37th Dealer Acquisitions
IRVINE , California ( Sep 28, 2005 ) :
Continuing to expand its nation-wide network of wholly owned subsidiary operations, Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS) today announced the acquisition of two new dealerships, Candle Business Systems Inc. and Office Systems Inc. Both Candle Business Systems and Office Systems will become part of Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc.’s (TABS) TBS division, a network of acquired Toshiba equipment and solution providers. The two transactions represent TBS’ 36th and 37th dealer acquisitions since the creation of the company’s business expansion plan, supporting the overall objective of bolstering the TBS operation by acquiring large independent dealers in the top U.S. markets.
“We are very pleased to welcome Candle Business Systems and Office Systems as the newest members of the Toshiba family,” said Wayne Wilkinson, vice president of Business Operations, TBS. “Both companies have demonstrated tremendous selling success as well as a solid commitment to exceptional customer service, two metrics which are highly valued within the TBS organization.”
Candle Business Systems, which previously sold both Toshiba products and services as well as other competitive brands, will become Toshiba’s 16th core subsidiary operation. In business for 20 years, Candle Business Systems is headquartered on Long Island, N.Y., with six locations throughout New York and New Jersey. TABS recognized Candle earlier this year with the “Number One in Purchases” award in the eastern region. Former Candle Owner and President, Joseph Weiss, will remain with the company and continue his role as president.
“With extensive experience selling Toshiba products and working with the company, we were confident that Toshiba was the right partner for us as we move forward to achieve our continued growth and business development objectives,” said Weiss. “We are proud to align ourselves with a market leader that supports the tradition of excellence we built and maintained as one of the nation’s largest independent office equipment dealers.“
Office Systems Inc., headquartered in Bismarck, N.D., operates five sales offices and three service locations serving North Dakota, Montana and Minnesota. Previously an independent dealer selling Lanier products, Office Systems will transition to the Toshiba brand of products as part of the acquisition process. The dealership will be combined with TBS-Minnesota, a TBS subsidiary headquartered in Eagan, Minn., upon completion of the acquisition. Current co-owner Don Fennewald will remain as vice president and general manager, while other Office System co-owners, Bill Huschka and Jim Tschaekofske, will retire upon completion of the transaction.
“Office Systems has entered into this new relationship to benefit both our customers and employees alike,” said Fennewald. ”Toshiba has a great reputation in the market for reliable products and superior customer support. We’re excited about the opportunities partnering with a company like Toshiba provides for our company and our customers.”
The acquisitions of Candle Business Systems Inc. and Office Systems Inc. represent Toshiba’s fourth and fifth acquisitions respectively in the 2005 calendar year. TABS’ other acquisitions in 2005 include Collier Business Equipment, Stringer Business Systems – Oakland, and FKM Copier Products.
About Candle Business Systems Inc.
Candle Business Systems Inc. is one of the largest independent electronic office equipment and supply dealers in the United States. With six offices throughout New York and New Jersey and a staff of 150, the company offers complete sales, leasing, training, and in-depth analysis and design.
About Office Systems Inc.
Office Systems Inc. is a leading office equipment and service supplier offering a broad line of award-winning products, systems and solutions. Founded in 1957, Office Systems has grown to five offices with a staff of 45 employees serving North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. The company provides sales and service for copiers, duplicators, faxes, micrographics, environmental and background music systems for its extensive client base, ranging from government agencies to both large and small businesses.
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 and 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.