HUDSON, N.H., Oct. 12 - Presstek, Inc., a leading provider of direct digital imaging technology, today announced that it has formed a new strategic partnership with Koenig & Bauer, AG (KBA) of Wurzburg, Germany. As part of the deal, KBA will be selling its new digital press, the 46 Karat, utilizing Presstek's ProFire imaging technology, which consumes Presstek's PEARLdry plates. The 46 Karat will be introduced at KBA's open house in Germany on October 12th and 13th, and is expected to be available for commercial sales in Europe, excluding the United Kingdom, beginning November 1, 2001. Additionally, KBA will be distributing and selling Presstek's Dimension200 and Dimension400 CTP systems, which include the Anthem plate, outside the United States and Canada. The compact design of the 46 Karat resembles that of its big sister, the 74 Karat designed and manufactured by KBA's subsidiary, Karat Digital Press GmbH. The 46 Karat will be assembled by Japanese press manufacturer Ryobi, whose long-standing association with KBA dates back to the assembly of the group's first conventional sheetfed offset press, the Rapida 72K. Presstek's president and CEO Robert Hallman said, "We are extremely satisfied to announce our new partnership with KBA, one of the world's most prestigious press manufacturers. With more than 184 years of press manufacturing experience, KBA has the broadest range of presses in the industry. To date, Presstek's relationship with KBA has included a DI licensing agreement for the 74 Karat digital press. The expanded relationship will now include the use of Presstek's DI technology in KBA's new 46 Karat digital press, the sale and distribution of the Dimension platesetters, as well as future projects. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership with KBA.'' Albrecht Bolza-Schunemann, deputy president of Koenig & Bauer AG, commented, "Our association with Presstek, a global leader in the manufacture of DI systems and processless printing plates, goes back a long way and we are keen to intensify this association with the goal of cornering a share of the popular 18'' x 13" (34 x 46cm) market with our new 46 Karat digital offset press. Except for the inking unit, the design of the 46 Karat is similar to that of our 29'' (74cm) 74 Karat, which is proving a big success. Thanks to this alliance, and for the first time in our long history, we can now offer our customers cutting-edge digital print technology for A3, a format in heavy demand among smaller printshops looking for short-run color, and which previously did not feature in our program. The expansion of our product and customer base is a challenge we welcome in the interests of potential users."