KONICA MINOLTA Strengthens Sports Marketing Commitment as Key Element of Brand Building Effort

Ramsey, NJ (PRWeb) January 26, 2007 -- KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. ( KONICA MINOLTA ) has had tremendous results in reaching key target audiences and building brand identity for its bizhub™ line of color and black and white multifunctional printer/copier products. Building upon the success of their sports marketing program, KONICA MINOLTA has renewed its sponsorship of CBS Sports' popular SwingVision feature during their PGA Tour coverage, and added an NCAA sports marketing program starting with the 2006-2007 NCAA basketball and lacrosse seasons.



"The advancement of the KONICA MINOLTA business technologies unit has been an energizing force for our brand since KONICA MINOLTA decided to exit the photo business last year," said Bill Brewster, Vice President, Marketing, KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. "It is critical that we strengthen the bizhub brand in the mind of the consumer as a leading provider of technology solutions that increase business efficiencies particularly within the context of networked solutions and digital imaging. Our sports marketing initiatives, particularly our results from CBS Sports' coverage of the PGA Tour has proven to be very effective in building brand awareness."

According to Brewster the return on investment in the KONICA MINOLTA bizhub SwingVision is so favorable that KONICA MINOLTA sought other opportunities to build upon its momentum in sports marketing. "KONICA MINOLTA was able to put together an NCAA sports marketing program that will provide us significant exposure to our brand message both live and on television. Our research shows that both golf and college sports programming are excellent means to reach a strong segment of our target audience."

KONICA MINOLTA bizhub SwingVision
Starting with this weekend's Buick Invitational, the KONICA MINOLTA bizhub SwingVision and television ad campaign will appear during CBS Sports' coverage of 20 PGA Tour events that run through the end of August - including the 89th PGA Championship. The advertising campaign features 30-second spots that use humor to communicate the strong branding message of the award-winning bizhub brand of powerful multifunctional devices, which provide its customers with complete solutions for their document management needs.

"We are delighted to have KONICA MINOLTA back as the sponsor of the 'KONICA MINOLTA bizhub SwingVision' for a fourth consecutive year," said Tony Petitti, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer, CBS Sports. "Our partnership with KONICA MINOLTA has grown to include 20 CBS Golf events, and we look forward to showcasing the Emmy Award-winning KONICA MINOLTA bizhub SwingVision throughout the 2007 CBS Golf season. KONICA MINOLTA's sponsorship of our ultra-slow motion camera enables our CBS Golf talent to analyze the shot making abilities of the finest golfers in the world and brings the most unique insight to the golf viewer."

NCAA Sports
KONICA MINOLTA sought additional opportunities to build upon its momentum in sports marketing by targeting NCAA Sports. The KONICA MINOLTA television spots will now air during CBS Sports' coverage of Men's Basketball. Plus, KONCIA MINOLTA has purchased television-visible courtside rotational signage for all home games at 22 universities for the 2006-2007 basketball season for some of the biggest names in men's and women's hoops. The rotational signage program includes the Pre- and Post-Season National Invitational Tournaments (NIT) broadcast from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Participating schools include University of Florida (defending men's champion), Boston College, St. John's University, University of Connecticut (men and women), Georgetown University, Indiana University, UCLA, USC, and North Carolina State. Many of these games are televised on national and cable sports networks, as well as regional and local broadcasts.

In addition, KONICA MINOLTA has purchased television-visible signage and other sponsorship benefits for the 2007 season with 10 NCAA lacrosse teams, one of the fastest growing collegiate sports in the country. Participating schools include University of Virginia (defending men's champion), Duke University, Princeton University, Syracuse University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Many of the games are televised on national and cable sports networks, as well as regional and local broadcasts.

About KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC.
KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC., offers a broad range of multifunctional digital imaging solutions inspired by its bizhub brand of powerful solutions that serve as the central resource for document scanning, in-house printing, copying, faxing and electronic archiving and distribution. From high-quality color and monochrome bizhub systems for workgroups and small offices, to advanced high-volume bizhub PRO production printing systems for large corporations and print-for-pay services, KONICA MINOLTA is leading the industry toward integrated, networked hardware/software solutions that are more simple, reliable, and cost-effective. Complementing its bizhub solutions, KONICA MINOLTA also offers desktop laser printers, microform digital imaging systems, wide-format printers and scanning systems for specialized applications.

Headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, KONICA MINOLTA delivers expert professional services and experienced, responsive client support, in addition to the world-class service provided through its extensive network of direct sales offices, authorized dealers, resellers and distribution partners in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. For more information, please visit KONICA MINOLTA at www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us.

KONICA MINOLTA Corporate Contact:
James Norberto
KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC.
+1 201-825-4000

KONICA MINOLTA and The essentials of imaging are trademarks of KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC. bizhub and bizhub PRO are trademarks of KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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