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Sharp Electronics Europe - Double the Business! (30/3/2005)

Sharp Electronics Europe CEO Hans Kleis wants to double the turnover of the Japanese technology group in Europe by the end of fiscal year 2007 by focusing on the three strategic divisions of LCD TV, Document Solutions and Solar.

With a clearly defined objective of doubling business in Europe by the end of fiscal year 2007 Hans Kleis, President of Sharp Europe, announced at this year's CeBIT the company's strategy.

Specifically, Kleis is basing the growth on the booming divisions of LCD TV, Document Solutions and Photovoltaics. Apart from further developing the existing key markets, Sharp will, to an increasing extent, invest in the prospering markets in the East of Europe where the demand for high-tech products is growing steadily. As examples, besides Russia, Kleis mentioned the new EU member states, where Sharp's sales structure will be strengthened as a first step. While Sharp has been the global market leader in LCD TVs and photovoltaic modules for years, the Japanese technology group has been one of several big players in the Document Solutions market, without holding the number one position. This is about to change. In a world premiere before a large audience a completely new technology was presented which will reduce toner consumption by one third compared to previous models. With new devices, new consulting models for potential customers, and new sales concepts, Sharp wants to "massively increase" its current share in the European market, Kleis announced.

In the fourth quarter of 2004 Europe, for the first time, succeeded in overtaking Japan to become the largest market for LCD TVs in the world. In Germany alone, 60 million cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs have the potential to be replaced by modern, flat panel TV sets. Here consumer demands differ widely - from the early adopter, who wants to have high-definition television (HDTV) compatible products today to enjoy superb picture quality on a large screen flat TV, to the consumer who is happy to have just a TV with a great picture, but without a host of technical features. With the "Four-Panel Strategy" presented at CeBIT Sharp is the only manufacturer worldwide to cover the entire spectrum demanded by customers.

www.sharp-eu.com