CHICAGO--April 22, 2003-- Canon Business Solutions-Central, Inc. a subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. and a regional leader in document imaging systems, is expanding deep into the heart of Texas in a big way, having opened regional branch offices in Houston and San Antonio, and planning an expansion to Austin during early second quarter. Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Canon Inc. "Texas is a big state with an ever-increasing requirement for business solutions that meet the needs of companies, government entities and non-profit organizations," said Emily Reynolds, president, Canon Business Solutions-Central, Inc. "We find ways to enhance an organization's operations, providing the right combination of products, people and services. Canon technology and our customized approach to providing solutions, are presenting us with the opportunity to grow rapidly and serve the expanding office imaging market." Canon occupied the overall number one market share position for copiers sold in the U.S. in 2002, for the fifth consecutive year, according to market studies completed this month by Gartner Dataquest, a unit of Gartner Inc. and one of the world's leading research and advisory firms. (U.S Printer, Copier, Fax and MFP Market, 1999-2002, March 2003.) In 2002, for the first time, Canon achieved the number one position in every black-and-white copier speed segment from desktop PC models to production level devices. Canon has held the total number one position in the U.S. 20 times over the last 21 years. For the last 16 consecutive years, Canon Color Laser Copiers (CLC) held the top spot in color. The Houston office, established just over two years ago, is located at 4333 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Suite 100. Ken Autrey is the office general manager. "We are pleased with our business results in Houston. We have brought a customer focused solution based on a sales and service business model that has been very well received by the Houston business community," said Mr. Autrey. "Our primary focus is to develop a culture of complete and total customer satisfaction. This philosophy is proving to be a good one, as the Houston business community is responding by embracing us in this market." The new San Antonio office is located at 1777 NE Loop 410, Suite 600. Bob Arceneaux is the general manager. He also will oversee the new branch location in Austin, which is scheduled to open by early April. "We're planning to grow quickly in San Antonio, mirroring one of the fastest growing cities in America, and we look forward to becoming a vital part of the community," said Mr. Arceneaux. "The foundation of our success will be a combination of excellent people, our passion for our industry, a commitment to integrity and always exceeding client expectations. Canon has a proud heritage of being the number one provider in black and white copiers, full color systems and facsimile products, and we look forward to providing outstanding service and support in this new market." The new Texas offices are part of the expansion of Canon Business Solutions-Central, Inc., which is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. It has sales and service locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area along with regional branch offices in Denver, Houston, San Antonio/Austin and Minneapolis. It provides clients with digital network printing, color and black and white copying, duplicating, faxing and large format printing along with business services consultation and outsourcing.