Ricoh Company,
Ltd. (TSE: 7752, "RICOH" President & CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced that
it has completed its previously announced $1.6 billion acquisition of IKON
Office Solutions, Inc. through RICOH's wholly owned U.S. distribution
subsidiary, Ricoh Americas Corporation. As a result of the merger, IKON is
now a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh Americas Corporation.
The transaction was approved by IKON shareholders at a special meeting
held today. Pursuant to the merger agreement, former shareholders of IKON
will receive $17.25 in cash for each share of IKON common stock. IKON stock
will cease to trade on the New York Stock Exchange as of market open
November 3, 2008.
Through this acquisition, RICOH will strengthen its business
infrastructure in the U.S., Canada and Europe by combining with IKON's
strong sales and service network. RICOH also will gain access to IKON's
extensive customer base, which includes major and national account
customers, as well as government and public sector customers. This
acquisition represents another significant step in RICOH's integrated
global growth strategy.
Background
Ricoh Company, Ltd. is a global leader in imaging solutions that has
brought to the market innovations such as digitalization, network solutions
and colorization. In the rapidly growing printing and document solution
areas, RICOH continues to strengthen its channels for assessing customers'
potential needs and making appropriate proposals based on a customer-driven
approach. In the extremely competitive U.S. market, Ricoh is committed to
further strengthening its sales and support channels, and delivering real
enhanced value to all its customers.
IKON, a Ricoh company, sells and services a wide range of Ricoh office
equipment, such as multifunction products (MFPs), fax machines and
printers, in the U.S., Canada and the Western European markets. With more
than 400 sales and service locations worldwide, IKON has a long track
record with Fortune 500 companies among its many customers. In addition,
IKON provides professional services and document outsourcing services to a
wide variety of customers across numerous markets and industries. RICOH has
been a key supplier to IKON for many years, and the relationship between
the two companies has a long and successful history.
Source: Ricoh