Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America Expands Direct, Local Sales Operations with Sharp Business Systems of Seattle

MAHWAH, NJ, August 11, 2008 -- Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) today announced it has once again expanded its direct regional sales operation with the opening of a new Sharp Business Systems (SBS) branch in Seattle, WA. SIICA purchased Redmond-based First Choice Business Machines to launch Sharp Business Systems in the Seattle area, serving the Puget Sound marketplace.

Sharp Business Systems of Seattle will be managed by Dan Taylor, who will serve as branch president, and brings vast knowledge and industry experience to Sharp. “As one of the existing manufacturers we represent, we welcomed the opportunity to join Sharp. We will continue to serve our existing customers and support all of their equipment needs, only now with a wider array of Sharp programs and solutions. As part of the Sharp team we look forward to providing superior products and outstanding support to our customers.”

First Choice Business Machines brings more than 30 years of experience in the market to Sharp and has garnered a reputation for excellent service and commitment to its customers. All eight sales offices of First Choice Business Machines will be absorbed into Sharp SBS Seattle, bringing a total of 85 employees to the Sharp team. Sharp Business Systems of Seattle will offer customers the full line of advanced Sharp office products and solutions and will continue to serve existing equipment and contract agreements.

Sharp Business Systems Strategy
Since the first branch opening in Arizona, SIICA remains committed to establishing a network of local Sharp Business Systems branches, which include recent openings in New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington DC, San Francisco, South Florida, Indianapolis, San Diego.

“Sharp Business Systems is growing and strengthening Sharp’s distribution in key markets nationwide,” said Ed McLaughlin, President, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “Our direct branch strategy augments our strong independent dealer channel by enabling Sharp to better understand customer needs and then translating that into an improved product and support portfolio for businesses in each market.”

About Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, markets the advanced, color MX Series multifunctional peripheral (MFP) systems that help companies manage workflow efficiently and increase productivity. The Sharp MFP line has been named “Product Line of the Year” by Buyer’s Laboratory Inc. (BLI), recognizing it as the industry’s best product line. Sharp MFPs feature the Sharp OSA™ development platform, which seamlessly integrates network applications to create a personalized MFP that can meet virtually any business need, and Scan² technology, which scans two-sided documents in a single pass to enhance scanning reliability and preserve document integrity. To keep documents safe from unauthorized users, Sharp leads the MFP industry in security by offering the most secure suite of MFP applications.

For information about the complete line of Sharp MFP products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP.

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