Toshiba and KONE Corporation to Take Stake in One Another

20 December, 2001


Toshiba Corporation
Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation

Tokyo--Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation (TELC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, today announced that it has signed an Alliance Agreement with KONE Corporation of Finland that will reinforce the two companies' comprehensive relationship in the elevator and escalator business through the mutual acquisition of stocks.

By the beginning of March, 2002, TELC will increase its capitalization, and KONE will make an investment in the company's stock equivalent to 20% of the new capitalization. KONE will also receive the right to appoint two persons to TELC's board of directors. In the same time frame, TELC will acquire 5% of KONE's stock, and KONE's principal shareholders will propose the appointment of a TELC nominee to KONE's board of directors at the company's annual general meeting.

TELC and KONE started to collaborate in 1998. Today, they supply each other with parts and are engaged in joint procurement and co-development of elevators and escalators. The new agreement will promote further technical collaboration bringing together KONE's leading-edge system and mechanical technologies, including its machine-room-less elevator know-how, and TELC's capabilities in high-speed motors and inverters. The agreement is also expected to enhance competitiveness by shortening product development terms, promoting cost reductions and reinforcing the service organization, all essential for the two companies' continued business expansion.

The global market for elevators and escalators, including service and maintenance, is estimated at three trillion yen a year. KONE is a major presence in Europe, the American and Asian markets, while TELC has an established business base in the Japanese and Asian markets. In conjunction with this agreement, KONE and TELC will promote global business by establishing a global alliance committee. One mission of the committee will be to promote a stronger presence in Asia, including the Chinese market, where rapid growth is expected, by promoting collaboration in the two companies' manufacturing, sales, service and maintenance operations.

Under Toshiba's 01 Action Plan, the elevator and escalator business is viewed as having an integrator business model, open to strategic alliances with other leading companies. Toshiba expects closer collaboration with KONE, and the resulting synergies in technology and marketing capabilities, to support the accelerated globalization, expansion and reinforced competitiveness of its elevator and escalator business.

Outline of TELC

Address Kita Shinagawa 6-5-27, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
President Hiroshi Nishioka
Sales 120 billion yen
Employees 4,700
History TELC was established in January 2001 with the merger of the product development, manufacturing and overseas sales and service functions of the Elevator and Building Systems Company, at that time one of Toshiba's in-house companies, and the domestic sales and service functions of Toshiba Elevator Corporation. The first in-house company spun off from Toshiba Corporation, TELC's activities span all aspects of the elevator and escalator business, from product planning through manufacturing to sales and service.

Outline of KONE CORPORATION

Address Munkkiniemen Puistotie 25, Fin-00330 Helsinki, Finland
Deputy Chairman & CEO Antti Herlin
Sales 2,602Eur
Employees 23,000


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