Matsushita And Thomson Multimedia To Strengthen Cooperation In Picture Tube Supply

27-Sep-01

As a first step of a long term cooperation, Kunio Nakamura, President of Matsushita Electric and Thierry Breton, Chairman and CEO of Thomson Multimedia, signed in Tokyo a cooperation agreement between their two respective companies covering the area of Color TV Picture Tubes.To benefit from their respective leading positions in the Color Picture Tube (CPT) market, Thomson Multimedia, Matsushita and its affiliates will increase their mutual supply and purchase flow relationship. A renewable three year agreement will allow Thomson Multimedia to develop its OEM sales of tubes, glass and other tubes components while Matsushita will enhance their Color TV Picture Tube operations competitiveness in Europe and North America and secure a competitive source of tubes for their TV operations.""The Color TV Picture Tube business is one of the toughest cost competitive markets in the electronics industry. I expect that the collaboration with Thomson Multimedia will enhance our global competitiveness, and be mutually beneficial,"" states Mr. Kunio Nakamura, Matsushita President.""This wide-ranging agreement will further strengthen Thomson's position as a leader and OEM supplier of Large and Very Large Color Picture Tubes. Thomson intends to play a key role in supporting industry consolidation and rationalization"" said Thierry Breton Chairman and CEO of Thomson Multimedia.In Europe and North America, the companies will benefit from a reciprocal ""preferred supplier"" status for tubes, glass and tube components. A specific focus will be put on the North American markets, where Thomson will benefit from the capacity of its new CPT plant in Mexicali, Mexico in order to serve Matsushita's needs.The companies will finalize the details of supply agreement by the end of 2001. They also plan to explore actively a second step for their future cooperation in areas such as copy protection for digital home networks, package media solution, R&D, displays, and other tube-relevant areas.

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