Toshiba expands presence in Eastern Europe through distribution agreement with Asbis

Neuss, Germany – June 25, 2003 – Toshiba Europe Storage Device Division, a leading manufacturer of optical disk drives and hard disk drives, and Asbis, one of the largest suppliers of computer components in the emerging markets of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, today announced an agreement to distribute Toshiba’s entire portfolio of storage products across Eastern Europe.

With 35 offices in 25 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (EMEA region), Asbis provides Toshiba with a strategic distribution partner in some of the world’s fastest-growing regional economies.

Laurent Journoud, Marketing Director of Asbis, commented on the agreement:

“We are very excited to be adding Toshiba storage products to our product portfolio in all of our markets. Toshiba products, such as DVD writers, DVD-ROM, Combo drives, CD-RW drives and 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch hard disk drives will form a key component of our desktop, server, and mobile product groups. With our strengths in the distribution channel, we look forward to the success of this relationship.”

Martin Larsson, General Manager of Toshiba Europe, adds: “Eastern Europe has become a significant market for Toshiba, and we look forward to expanding Toshiba’s presence in this region. Asbis brings unique capabilities, including technical depth, geographic reach and local knowledge, which will help serve our potential customers in this dynamic and fast-growing market.”

About Toshiba
Toshiba Storage Device Division leads the market in developing, designing and manufacturing DVD-R/RW, DVD-ROM and CD-RW/DVD-ROM optical disc drives – half-height and slim form factors – and 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch hard disk drives.

The Storage Device Division markets high quality peripherals to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), value-added resellers (VARs), value-added dealers (VADs), system integrators and distributors throughout Europe. It also provides end-users with innovative portable storage devices.

Since 2001, the Storage Device Division has been influential in the retail market with the introduction of its Retail Kits.

Inherent in the company’s philosophy and product lines is a sincere commitment to high-quality engineering and manufacturing – qualities that have been instrumental in establishing Toshiba products as worldwide leaders.