Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. has announced parent company Konica Minolta Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding to begin a feasibility study for a strategic alliance in the multifunction printer (MFP), office printer and production printer segments.

The rapidly evolving market landscape for MFPs and printers requires proactive measures. Konica Minolta and FUJIFILM Business Innovation are actively considering a business alliance to strengthen their business foundations, including the development of a robust supply system for their products. The companies are also seeking to expand other business alliances and continue discussions. The main details of these promising discussions are as follows:

1. Procurement business alliance: Exploring the establishment of a joint venture to coordinate the procurement of raw materials and parts.

• Tentative timetable for establishment of a joint venture: Second quarter of FY2024
• Shareholding Ratio: Majority ownership by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.

2. Toner development and production business alliance

3. Other business alliances: Discussion and agreement on other strategic collaborations related to the subject business will be addressed separately.

"Sharing a common understating of the challenges facing the business, the two leading companies will be able to mutually maximize strengths through this alliance," said Toshimitsu Taiko, president and CEO, Konica Minolta Inc. "I am looking forward to working together to improve investment efficiency and cost-competitiveness, strengthen capabilities for stable supply, environmental initiatives and business continuity plans (BCP), and pursue the potential for enhancing business resilience as global manufacturers."

"The ongoing discussions for this business alliance are of immense importance as we strive to strengthen our competitiveness and expand our global presence to make a significant leap forward," said Naoki Hama, president and CEO, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. "We are confident that this partnership will create a new framework to enhance our supply chain and build a robust business foundation."

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced it has achieved microvertical competency status from Hyland. This recognition demonstrates the company's proven ability to leverage Hyland's intelligent content solutions across the following specialties:

• Local government
• Higher education admissions
• Oil and gas – exploration and production
• Accounts payable – manufacturing and retail

"2024 marks our twelfth year as a Hyland partner, and we continue to innovate together to collectively customize intelligent information management solutions that accelerate value creation and deliver extraordinary customer experiences and desired business outcomes," said Ron Thompson Jr., vice president and general manager, intelligent information management and video security solutions, Konica Minolta. "We sincerely appreciate this recognition and the alliance that allows us to meet our customers where they are on their digital transformation journeys."

Konica Minolta helps organizations of all shapes and sizes leverage intelligent information management (IIM) solutions, case management systems and portal solutions to streamline operations, bridge workforce challenges, ensure transparent governance and efficiently provide top-tier services to those they serve. By enhancing the overall digital experience, organizations can reduce administrative burden, improve engagement and collaboration, and eliminate manual and repetitive workflows to meet business demands in today's digital age. With these intelligent solutions, improving the efficiency of tedious processes and enhancing customer and constituent experiences is now easier than ever.

The Hyland competency program recognizes partners' expertise in demonstrating, selling, implementing and supporting Hyland solutions. Competencies are categorized based on industries, capabilities and solutions. To obtain each Hyland competency, partners are required to submit an application and participate in a thorough review process that validates their technical proficiency and customer success.

"We understand each of our partners have unique skill sets and specialize in different industries," said Eric Miller, associate vice president for Hyland Channel, Hyland. "We're proud to recognize Konica Minolta for their achievement in microvertical status as they continue to drive their business forward and create even better experiences for their customers."

The Hyland Global Partner Community provides expertise and hands-on support for Hyland's content services product portfolio, and the complementary technologies that make up automation solutions. Solution providers work with Hyland to give customers the highest level of technical support, while receiving continuous training to ensure successful programs from an industry leader and highly respected channel-friendly vendor.

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced Frank Mallozzi has joined the company as president of IPP. An experienced executive in the imaging technology industry, Mallozzi has a diverse background with proven expertise in all aspects of product development, global sales and revenue operations and marketing strategies. In his new position, Mallozzi will lead Konica Minolta's industrial print channel, which includes the company's high-speed inkjet, labeling and embellishment businesses.

"We are thrilled to welcome Frank to our executive team, and confident this important area of our business will continue to evolve under his leadership," said Sam Errigo, president and CEO, Konica Minolta. "Our industrial and production print business is a key strength for our U.S. sales organization. Frank's extensive experience developing go-to-market growth strategies and integrating solutions to accelerate profitability will keep us on a path of innovation and allow us to gain market share and strengthen our position in the marketplace."

"I've had the pleasure of working with Konica Minolta in different capacities throughout my career, and it is an honor to join the company and be leading this best-in-class team," Mallozzi said. "This powerhouse brand already has such a strong foothold in the market, and I look forward to contributing and lending insight to develop new and innovative strategies to move us even further ahead."

Mallozzi currently sits on the boards of two industry-related organizations: the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, advocating on behalf of the printing industry to drive younger professionals to this great industry of print, and CalPoly University-Graphic Art's School. He recently founded the Center Reach Group, a consultancy focused on helping companies design and develop go-to-market growth strategies, execute on strategic plans and optimize marketing efficiencies for direct sales and channel optimization while increasing sales productivity.