Imation has acquired TDK

[ILoveMinidisc]

Earlier this year Imation anounce That Tdk had agreed in a Acquision by Imation

Now Is done.

"Imation Closes Acquisition of TDK Brand Recording Media Business for Approximately $260 Million in Stock and Cash"

Highlights of the completed transaction include the following:

- Imation purchased a combination of assets and stock of TDK's recording media business and use of the TDK brand name for current and future recording media products including magnetic tape, optical media, flash media and accessories.

-The TDK brand recording media business operates globally, with major operations in Japan, Europe, the United States, and throughout the Asia Pacific region. A total of approximately 350 TDK employees in the recording media business have transferred to Imation and an additional number of employees will provide transitional services for a period of time. An integration team is assessing the future requirements for the combined business.

- The transaction includes a Supply Agreement providing uninterrupted and continuing supply of TDK brand products to the market. TDK will retain R&D and manufacturing operations for recording media products including audio, video and data storage tape, and Blu-ray optical discs. TDK will supply TDK brand products to Imation as well as non-TDK brand products to its other OEM customers.

-Under terms of the agreement, Imation has a long-term right to use of the TDK brand for current and future recordable magnetic, optical, flash media and accessory products globally. That right is revocable by TDK after 25 years, with a one year wind down. The transaction includes a Supply Agreement for TDK branded magnetic tape products, to include data storage, audio and video tape cartridges.

http://ir.imation.com/phoenix.zhtml...4418&highlight=

Comments:

So what does this means for us Minidisc user?

It means that All TDK Minidisc and other tdk products will continue to be made by TDK

but Distribuited and owned by Imation.

It also mean that Imation has the right to sugest and do changes

Will we see Imation Minidisc?, with time we will see.

Another theory (of mine) is that Memorex Minidisc may not be dead

right now Memorex usa is selling out the stock they have Memorex usa MD is made by Hispace in mpo france.

Hispace france went bankrupt (not mpo) meaning either Memorex stop with minidisc or Tdk make them for memorex.

So Maybe Memorex will get New minidisc made by TDK Now that Imation own both.

Now, dont count on this but it can happen.

I still think TDK will continue with minidisc atleast in Europe and Japan.

I was told by TDK japan that they had no plan for New minidisc as of 2007

this seem logical since TDK is being transfered to their new leadership

Mainfactory of Imation Asia is in Hong kong, but i believe the Factory of TDK in japan will continue

their production but come under leadership of Imation hong kong.

If someone from TDK,Memorex or Imation read this

My wish For The Future is:

1. Tdk will continue to Make Minidisc and other Tdk products.

2. Imation should make Color minidisc

3. New Memorex Minidisc made by TDK factory in a cool design.

Maybe not everyone like this acquisition news or like imation but the fact is atleast that Imation is a big well known brand

is not a smale unknown company in taiwan so atleast Tdk has tried do something good.

the thing is how will the japanesee like this, Tdk has always been considered a japanesee brand

they may feel is getting eaten by american industry.

Edited August 14, 2007 by ILoveMinidisc

[bobt]

Good article, I agree that hopefully it will bring some life to minidisc

Bob

[Strungup]

Actually in the terms of agreement TDK has an OPT OUT available , and it ISNT a buyout , just the use of the Name , so sitting back and looking at it from a different view , TDK hasnt been doing all that well in recent years , while Imation has basically exploded . TDK is an Old name with a long history in Recording media and other ascpects , 260 million isnt that much money and the plan is for 25 years , with a 1 year wind down .

It sounds more like an Investment / Redirect than it is a Buyout . That means fresh input for TDK and a leg up in Broadening markets, Imation gets the USE of TDK's stable manufacturing processes without having to own it , and TDK gets the USE of Imations Market foundation without having advertise itself or push beyond it's boundaries .............. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when this deal was being discussed.

Edited August 15, 2007 by Guitarfxr