Canon and Océ join forces
March 2010
Venlo, The Netherlands
Dear colleague,
It is with pleasure and pride that I am able to announce to you that the joining of forces of Océ and Canon has become a reality today!
Today, Canon has officially declared its public offer for Océ shares unconditional, after a vast majority of shareholders had tendered their shares.
Congratulations! You have now become part of the global number one company in the printing industry! I do know, since the announcement of 16 November 2009, that many colleagues were eagerly awaiting the kick-off of our new partnership with our new Canon colleagues.
The future begins today. It is a landmark moment in the proud Océ history of over 130 years. The future holds a brighter outlook for Océ, our customers and ourselves.
Together we form the best possible combination in the consolidating global print industry, with unrivalled scale in R&D, manufacturing and distribution. The strength of our combination is in complementarities of both companies, with only limited overlap in terms of portfolio and geographic spread.
As a division of Canon, Océ will remain globally responsible for Wide Format, Commercial Printing and Business Services, headquartered in Venlo. Océ's office activities will be integrated in Canon's Office Imaging Products division.
New opportunities will present themselves, but immediate changes in everyday reality will be limited for most of you.
Led by a Steering Committee with executives from Canon and Océ, the integration process will take shape. In this process, we will benefit from the fact that Océ and Canon share a technology-driven culture with a track record of innovation, a focus on continuous quality improvement, as well as common values. Through various forms of internal communications, we will keep you informed about the next steps in the integration process.
I am aware we are entering a phase of many changes. This is all done in the best interests of our stakeholders, our company and ourselves. In recent months, I have received numerous supportive responses to the intended combination with Canon. Unfortunately, I'm not able to reply to each of you personally. But let me assure you as a Board we feel privileged to have experienced your warm support and ongoing enthusiasm. Let's now make this dreamteam live up to its promise and build on the firm foundation towards reaching our potential!
Best personal regards,
Rokus van Iperen
Chairman Board of Executive Directors
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