Art Systems signs partner deal with Canon

Art Systems announced as latest distributor for Canon large format printers

Canon UK, leader in digital imaging and technology, today announced it's partnership with Art Systems, that will see the Nottingham-based distributor take on Canon's large format printers (LFP) and solutions.  This major new partnership underlines Canon's commitment to, and growth within, the LFP market and highlights its aim to become a key player in this arena.

Steve Hawker, Sales Director, Art Systems comments, "We have strong relationships with our resellers and this new partnership with Canon will enhance our ability to offer support from initial demonstrations to full product training.  Importantly, it will strengthen our portfolio, enabling us to extend our reach within the LFP sector.  Canon is a key partner for us and we believe that its LFP portfolio offers substantial benefits - and a competitive advantage - to not only our business but that of our resellers as well."

Art Systems, the leading UK distributor providing the graphic, CAD/GIS signage markets with large format imaging and printing solutions, sells exclusively through a channel of authorised resellers.  From demonstrations and installation to training for new users, Art Systems provides sales and after-sales support, to its key customers.

Geoff Slaughter, Director Partner Channel, Canon UK comments, "Our expanding range of LFPs creates new opportunities, and revenue streams, for resellers. Art Systems has been awarded a Canon contract due to its extensive experience in the LFP market and has repeatedly proved its ability to form profitable partnerships.  They are a valued Canon partner, ideally placed to advise and support resellers as this key market continues to expand and provide profitable growth for the channel."

Commenting on the announcement, Anne Sharp, product marketing manager, LFP at Canon UK said, "Canon has launched six new LFPs in 2006 alone and our presence in the marketplace is growing rapidly, having nearly doubled our market share in the first half 2006.   This contract with Art Systems is further testament to our ever increasing presence in the LFP space and we look forward to continued growth in this fast developing part of our business."

About Canon (UK) Limited

Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments.

Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.

Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the US$32 billion global company based in Tokyo, Japan.  In the UK Canon employs around 2,000 people in various locations including Ireland and has achieved sales of 541m in 2005.

The main business focus for Canon (UK) Ltd is in two clearly defined market segments: Business Solutions covering both the office and professional printing environments (including: multifunctional printers, IT consultation, photocopiers, printers, large format printers, fax machines, document management hardware & software) and Consumer Imaging (input solutions: film and digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars and scanners; and output solutions: Ink Jet printers, fax machines, desktop multifunctionals and multimedia LCD projectors).