[TOKYO December 21, 2006] - HOYA CORPORATION ("HOYA") and PENTAX Corporation ("PENTAX") announced today that they have reached a basic understanding aimed at a management integration of the two companies, expected to be completed on October 1, 2007. The new company's name will be HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation. Under a corporate center with strategic planning functions, the new company will realign the business areas of HOYA and PENTAX. HOYA and PENTAX have recognized that they are the best possible business partners to establish a solid business structure that draws on their respective strengths. Through this management integration, the planned new structure will allow the new company to swiftly allocate significant management resources to develop strategic business areas, aiming at accelerating future growth.
1. Purpose of Management Integration
In an integration of equals, HOYA and PENTAX aim to enhance customer and shareholder
value. The parties aim to achieve this through the establishment of a solid management
foundation that will draw on the complementary managerial resources of the two companies
to create synergies and accelerate business growth.
The common core technological platform for HOYA and PENTAX is grounded in optics, imaging and materials. Using this core platform, the two companies aim to optimize their business portfolios, focusing on the life care, optics, information technology, eye care and imaging systems areas. Expected stable revenue from the information technology and eye care areas will support the life care area to achieve strategic growth. In addition, vertical integration of the optics areas will lead to qualitative structural reform and further strengthen competitiveness.
The divisions of the new company are expected to be as follows:
2. Background to the Management Integration Plan
HOYA started as an optical glass manufacturer. Since its inception, the company has been
diversifying its business by leveraging its optical materials technologies and precision
processing technologies. HOYA has successfully built global niche market positions through
its aggressive technological innovation and has established leadership in its areas of
expertise, resulting in strong earnings. In the information technology area, HOYA has
maintained a leading position globally for its semiconductor-related mask blanks and glass
disk substrates for hard disk drives, and it is positioned as one of the leading
manufacturers in optical glass and lenses. The company has also established a leading
position in the eye care area, including in eyeglass lenses. HOYA continues to cultivate
new business areas, in particular medical-related areas which are positioned as mid- to
long-term core growth drivers, and has initiated global business development of
intraocular lenses used for the surgical treatment of cataracts.
PENTAX's expertise stems from its long-accumulated know-how attained through the development and manufacturing of cameras and lenses. The company has successfully adapted its optical design and image processing technology for use in a variety of product areas and has developed businesses based on this optical technology. In the life care business, PENTAX has made early progress in developing a leading global position in the production of endoscopes, and it is also marketing globally various other products such as medical accessories and new ceramics for bone grafts. In its optical components business, PENTAX has leveraged its competitive edge in advanced optical technologies, where its major products include digital camera modules and DVD/CD convertible pickup lenses. PENTAX has also built a strong global brand in its imaging systems division, and the company has positioned the life care area as the focus for its mid- to long-term growth strategy. PENTAX has been working to ensure earnings improvement and company-wide growth through mergers and acquisitions, alliances and aggressive research and development activities.
While the market for advanced medical products has been growing globally with further growth expected, competition has also been intensifying. HOYA and PENTAX have been developing advanced medical products including endoscope diagnostics, minimally invasive surgical technologies, and bionic materials including new ceramics and intraocular lenses. In order to continue delivering growth in this market, it is critical that HOYA and PENTAX leverage their respective competitive advantages and make aggressive investments through mergers and acquisitions and research and development, as well as establish global sales and marketing networks at the earliest possible stage.
Significant structural changes have occurred in optical equipment and related materials since the emergence of digital cameras. Competitors in Asia have grown rapidly and are expected to continue gaining market share through low price campaigns and increasing the added value of their products. Along with existing camera manufacturers, home appliance makers have also entered the digital camera market, further intensifying competition in this segment. In order to maintain growth capabilities, cost competitiveness must be strengthened by lowering production costs and focusing on unique, high-end products. Measured structural change is necessary to ensure differentiation in this environment.
Based on the recognition that HOYA and PENTAX are the best possible business partners to establish a solid business structure that draws on their respective strengths, the two companies have reached a basic understanding aimed at management integration. Through this management integration, the planned new structure will allow the integrated company to swiftly allocate significant management resources to develop strategic business areas, aiming at future growth.
3. Method of Management Integration
Under the terms of the basic understanding announced today HOYA will be the surviving
company.
4. Management Integration Timing
The merger of the two companies is planned to become effective as of October 1, 2007.
5. New Company Name
After the management integration, the new company will be named HOYA PENTAX HD
Corporation.