Tuesday 12th February, 2013

Canon has announced the opening of a takeover bid of I.R.I.S. Group SA. Canon already has a close strategic partnership with I.R.I.S. Group, developed over a number of years, which was strengthened in July 2009 when Canon acquired a 17% stake in the company. Bringing I.R.I.S. Group into the Canon Group will allow both companies to cooperate more closely in developing a range of technology solutions to be able to better serve their customers in the business environment

Rokus van Iperen, President & CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa, comments: "Both management teams are committed to successfully completing the process already underway to bring I.R.I.S. Groupinto the Canon Group, and we look forward to working closely together to drive future growth. We are confident that I.R.I.S. Groupwill play a key long term role in building Canon's solutions and business services portfolio."

Pierre de Muelenaere, President & CEO, I.R.I.S. Group, comments: "The technological world is changing fast. We are offering a strong portfolio of innovative solutions and complementary services that can generate significant business benefits for our partners and clients. This portfolio fits extremely well with Canon's strategy to develop a strong solutions and services activity at international level. Both I.R.I.S.'s Board of Directors and Management are therefore unanimously supporting the Bid and committed to it."