Press Release

It is ‘Business as usual’ for Antalis and Kodak

“Kodak is an iconic organisation and one we are proud to have such a strong partnership with. They will emerge stronger, focussed and a more competitive global, digital organisation, of that I have no doubt.” said Keith Solomon, Director, Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd, in reference to the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filed by Kodak in the USA.

Komal Sharma, Kodak’s Regional Managing Director EAMER, emphasised “Kodak will focus attention on our graphic communications business as it is among the most valuable of our business lines. We see the digital printing, plate and the workflow operations as the key to our future success.”

During a recent media gathering held by Antalis Sharma reinforced the fact that the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection only applies to the United States and their subsidiaries. “This filing in no way suggests that Kodak has gone out of business or anticipates doing so. Our intention is to emerge in a stronger and more competitive shape with the Chapter 11 protection we’ve been afforded.

During this reorganisation period, which should be complete during 2013, the graphic communication product lines, including the toner and inkjet printing systems, will not suffer in terms of the research and development investment as the reorganisation proceeds.” continued Sharma.

“The intellectual property that Kodak intends to sell relates entirely to the consumer products side which represents just 10% of the company’s business.

Again I emphasise that the graphic communications segment of the business is a key pillar of Kodak’s plan for recovery – we remain committed to our customers and our ability to serve them is unchanged.” Commented Sharma.

When asked of their plans for Drupa 2012 Sharma affirmed that their current and new portfolio would be on display as planned, “Kodak will exhibit without any change in plans due the recent announcement. We and Antalis will be there in full force!“

“Kodak has a 132 year history behind them and, as I said, are an iconic organisation that have stood the test of time re-emerging time and again. We stand by Kodak during this time and have seen nothing other than continued enthusiasm, amongst our clients, for their products and the technology they offer. In fact we have recently signed one of our most significant orders for Kodak to date.

Our relationship with Kodak is resolute. We continue to revere the technology, knowledge and customer service levels that have become synonymous with the company – core values that Antalis stands by. We are highly supportive of Kodak and are taking this announcement in our stride. Concluded Solomon