Panasonic, Thomson, Announce Further Deals

(November 19, 2003) Tokyo/Paris/Secaucus, NJ--Thomson and Panasonic owner Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. have announced OEM and mutual distribution agreements. As part of the agreements, Panasonic will integrate the Grass Valley line of Profile family servers and M-Series iVDR products, into its systems solutions worldwide. The two companies also announced an OEM agreement in which Thomson will continue its sales and support of the Panasonic DVCPRO products and will purchase and distribute additional Thomson-brand products from Panasonic, including its line of LCD professional monitors.

“With its Emmy Award-winning Profile platform and leading market share position, Thomson’s expertise in video servers is clear,” said Yoshihiko Yamada, vice president for systems business group at Panasonic AVC Networks Company. “As a technology leader, Panasonic is extremely pleased to be able to leverage our world-class systems solutions to expand access to this popular product--as well as the revolutionary new M-Series iVDR products.”

“We are delighted to expand what has been a very successful distribution effort with Panasonic for their best-in-class professional digital camcorders and VTRs to include their latest line of LCD professional monitors,” said Marc Valentin, president of Thomson Broadcast & Media Solutions. “The agreement with Panasonic opens significant worldwide growth opportunities for Thomson and its Content and Networks division in the Pacific Region. We look forward to working together to provide long-term, rewarding benefits for our mutual customers.”

Thomson Grass Vally
www.thomsongrassvalley.com

Panasonic
www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html