Released by Microtek:
Microtek® International Takes Aggressive Measures Corrects misinformation about new business relationship with Umax System GmbH
Hsinchu, Taiwan (March 11, 2004) – Microtek International, Inc. is quickly and decisively responding to a false and misleading news report recently posted on Macworld.co.uk that Umax is acquiring Microtek. Microtek emphatically denies this report, and Umax System GmbH (USG) has provided to Macworld.co.uk additional, factual information about its newly formed business relationship with Microtek. Macworld online in the United Kingdom has subsequently corrected its news report in its March 10, 2004 issue.
The facts are that Microtek International, Inc. entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with USG in Europe. This distribution agreement is specific and limited, applying to Europe only and to specific high-end scanners in Microtek’s ArtixScan and ScanMaker product lines. USG will discontinue its distribution of the PowerLook scanners in Europe as part of this agreement. Microtek will continue to market and sell its other products including digital cameras.
This inaccurate information was, apparently, relayed to Macworld.co.uk by the USG country Manager in the United Kingdom. According to Benny Hsu, Chairman of Microtek International, Inc., “Microtek has never agreed to a third-party takeover of its business in Europe or elsewhere. This misinformation about our business relationship with USG is not only inaccurate, but negligent and reckless as well. Microtek takes seriously any false or misleading information that may damage its corporate reputation, business transactions and relationships. As such, Microtek will vigorously take action to protect these assets.”
Microtek, as well as USG, is taking further steps to correct this false information to minimize any adverse effect on Microtek’s business in Europe or throughout its worldwide operations. Microtek is considering additional corrective measures including legal action against the USG individuals responsible for this false information.
About Microtek International, Inc.
Microtek International, Inc., founded in 1980, is a leading company in the digital imaging market. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in the Science-Based Industrial Park in Taiwan. A public company on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the company has capital of US$$ 132million and 1,100 employees worldwide. Microtek has a broad product line of digital imaging products including desktop and dedicated film scanners, digital still cameras, LCD flat panel monitors, and LCD and DLP digital projectors. For more information, go to www.microtek.com
Correction to News on Macworld.co.uk
Statement by Microtek International, Inc.
In connection to the news posted on Macworld.co.uk website under the heading “Umax Buys Microtek” (March 9, 2004), Microtek International, Inc. emphasizes that this report is false and misleading. Macworld.co.uk has corrected this report in its news of March 10, 2004. (Umax allies with Microtek - UPDATED)
Microtek has never agreed to any third party take over of its business in Europe or elsewhere. The business relationship between Microtek and Umax System GmbH (USG) is specific and limited. Microtek International recently appointed USG as the company’s exclusive distributor in Europe for certain high-end scanner products, i.e. the ArtixScan and ScanMaker range. However, Microtek’s other products, including digital cameras, will continue to be marketed and sold by Microtek. USG will discontinue distribution of the PowerLook scanners in Europe as part of this agreement.
Microtek believes that the false information Anne Tai, USG country Manager for the UK, reported to Macworld.co.uk, was made in a negligent and reckless manner. The company is taking the steps necessary to correct this false information to minimize any adverse effect on Microtek’s business in Europe or throughout its worldwide operations.
Microtek is considering additional corrective measures including a statement of retraction by those parties responsible for this false and misleading information, and possibly legal action. Benny Hsu, Chairman of Microtek International, Inc. commented: “Microtek takes seriously any false or misleading information, or rumours, that may damage its corporate reputation, business transactions and relationships. As such Microtek will vigorously take action to protect these assets.”
