Toshiba Selling It's MFP Business??? NOT

Rumors have been rampant throughout the industry that Toshiba was poised to sell its MFP business. In a recent development a letter was sent to all Toshiba Dealers from Mark Mathews, President and COO, Toshiba America Business Solutions.

Basically the letter was sent to squash the rumors of an impending sale, "Toshiba Corp. is not currently, nor has it previously been in discussions with any
manufacturer regarding the potential purchase of its MFP business, TABS or Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS), nor does it have any future plans in this area".

Well that's a good sign and it should put the rumors to rest. I for one, feel that the consolidation of the industry is not over. Who will be the players in the next six months?? With all of the manufacturers turning in poor numbers, the writing is on the wall for a few of the secondary or third tier manufacturers.

Personally, I can't see how some of these players can survive if the global economy sinks further.

My predictions:

KonciaMinolta buys up OCE (good fit for them, they get wide format and Print Production along with the Imagistics Dealers.)

Panasonic will finally through in the towel and concentrate on it's consumer business.

Canon......will do something, they've been quite far too long. Do they cut an agreement with HP or do they make a play for whoever a secondary or third tier manufacturer. Rumors abound that Canon will cut an OEM deal with Kyocera for Segment 6
devices.

Keep in mind that a RUMOR is hearsay, chitchat and blather, take it for what its worth. My Mom always told me "believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you read."

It seems interesting though how most of the rumors in the last few years have come to fruition.

-=Good Selling=-

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