Core Facts
Canon Europe, world leader in digital imaging technology, today announced the launch of its new pan-European Partner Programme for its B2B Partners.

The Programme has been developed to grow Canon's presence in the indirect channel, and provide Partners with a comprehensive and flexible platform to increase their business growth and retain profitability through cross selling opportunities in 2011 and beyond.

The Programme will enable Partners to take advantage of the unrivalled strength of the Canon product portfolio, giving access to the broadest range of imaging solutions in the industry.

The three levels within the Partner Programme - designed to match Partner capabilities and expertise - are as follows:

Canon Registered Partner - for Partners focusing on Canon warranty-based products such as laser A4 single and multifunction printers, document scanners and projectors

Canon Accredited Partner  - for Partners with a service organisation, focusing on high value solutions (MFP / Software & Professional Services)  that require an ongoing support infrastructure

Canon Business Centre Partner - built on the Canon Accredited Partner model, but with additional benefits for Partners selling only Canon products

The Programme has nine clearly defined certification levels covering the full range of Canon's B2B technology solutions: office imaging, office software solutions, production print, scanning solutions and projector solutions.

Clear commitment and support from Canon will help Partners grow their business, including yearly business plans and a close working relationship and proactive account management to support them.

Partners are also incentivised though strategic and tactical bonuses - for example growth bonuses and co-marketing funds - to recognise the commitment from both sides.

Quotes
Alex Thurgood, European Channel Marketing Manager at Canon Europe

"We recognise our Partners' need to remain competitive in a challenging economic climate, and the new Partner Programme offers significant growth opportunities combined with the highest levels of support from Canon. By working in conjunction to develop a business plan, including the development of competencies in key certifications, it means we can truly understand our Partners' objectives and work together to meet them."

"It's a great initiative and one that is very important to Canon. We have strong loyalty through our indirect channel - 59 per cent of our Partners have been working with Canon for more than ten years[1], and we want to ensure this figure continues to grow. The introduction of the new Programme will help drive our Partners' business growth, whilst also ensuring end-users can be confident in their expertise and capability to understand the business challenges around Information Management. This will ensure end-users receive the best proposition to integrate Canon into their business environment, receiving seamless and consistently high levels of service."

[1] Canon European Partner Survey 2008

Boilerplate Statements
Canon Europe is the regional sales and marketing operation for Canon Inc., represented in 116 countries and employing over 11,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Founded in 1937 with the specific goal of making the best quality camera available to customers, Canon's tireless passion for the Power of Image has since extended its technology into many other markets and has established it as a world leader in both consumer and business imaging solutions.  Its solutions comprise products, ranging from digital compact and SLR cameras, through broadcast lenses and portable X-ray machines, to multi-function and production printers, all supported by a range of value added services.

Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realise their own passion for image.

Canon believes that considering the interests of society and the environment is an integral part of good business practice. This is embodied in its corporate philosophy Kyosei - ‘To live and work together for the common good'.

Further information about Canon Europe is available at:

www.canon-europe.com