TOKYO: Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp. and Konica Minolta Inc. are set to start discussing a business tie-up for products including multifunction printers.

Specifically, they will study setting up a joint company for procurement by the end of September, the Japanese firms said Monday. Fujifilm Business Innovation is an office equipment unit of Fujifilm Holdings Corp.

The move is aimed at strengthening their business bases at a time when the environment surrounding the industry is changing with an increasing number of companies in Japan going paperless.

The possible joint company would draw up strategies concerning procurement of components and materials of multifunction printers and toner, and undertake necessary negotiations.

Fujifilm Business Innovation would have a majority stake in the envisaged company.

The two companies will also consider collaboration in developing and producing toner, but are not thinking about joint purchase.

Office equipment makers in Japan are exploring ways for survival as the market is shrinking. In July, Ricoh Co. and Toshiba Tec Corp. will set up a joint company to integrate development and production of office equipment including multifunction printers.

JIJI Press