Sharp And Apple Computer Announce Joint License And Development Agreement
OSAKA, Japan — March 27, 1992 — Sharp Corp., a major electronics manufacturer, has agreed to enter a long-term partnership with Apple Computer Inc. and concluded a contract with them for development, manufacturing and distribution of the next generation personal information equipment.
In January 1992, Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., a world-leading computer manufacturer, advocated a prospect and development for personal digital assistant (PDA) information devices, a new category which would bridge the gap between the current personal computers and consumer electronics products.
Sharp, a world-leader in development and production of individual/home information tools, plans development and exploitation of a new market for next generation products based on their personal information tool initiative. This concept advocates communication among people and co-possession of information going beyond the way we know it today.
With a mutual interest in product development, the Sharp-Apple partnership aims at synergic expansion in the category of personal information equipment, where rapid market growth is expected. This will be accomplished by fusing Apple's computer development and system software technologies with Sharp's device and development technology for personal tools which incorporate liquid crystal displays. Resulting products will incorporate the strengths of both partners.
Both companies, as strategic partners, will organize a project development team and plan to launch the first product in the market in early 1993.
Concurrent with the business partnership, Sharp System Product Co. Ltd., a domestic sales subsidiary for systems products of Sharp Corp., Japan, has agreed with Apple Japan Inc., to sell the Macintosh Series computers in Japan effective April 1992.
The business partnership and import sales of Apple computers are partnerships with extensive growth potential. They also serve to strengthen the harmonious and cooperative relationship between Japan and the United States in the areas of technology and economy to establish a real global partnership.
Outline of Sharp Corp.
Name: Sharp Corporation
Location: Osaka, Japan
President: H. Tsuji
Annual Sales: $8.869 billion (fiscal 1990 ending March 31, 1991)
Number of Employees: 65,200 worldwide
Founded in: 1912
Outline of Apple Computer Inc.
Name: Apple Computer Inc.
Location: Cupertino, Calif.
Chairman and CEO: John Sculley
Annual Sales: $6.308 billion (fiscal 1991 ending Sept. 30, 1991)
Number of Employees: 14,500 worldwide
Founded in: 1977
CONTACT:
Sharp Electronics, Mahwah, N.J.
Daniel J. Infanti, 201/529-8967
or
Apple Computer, Cupertino
Brooke Cohan, 408/974-3019