Chicago, 4 June 2003—Oce today announced it has signed an agreement with Signs Now Corporation to provide a complete package of display graphics printing equipment, financing, support, service and supplies to all 220 Signs Now franchisees throughout the United States. This agreement will enable Signs Now franchisees to add digital printing technology to their sign businesses while providing an upgrade path as franchisees expand their volume. All Océ Display Graphics Systems products are covered in this agreement including the Océ Arizona line of solvent-based ink jet printers, the Océ CS5000 line of thermal ink jet printers, the Océ CS4000 series of large format color scanners, the Océ LightJet family of large format photo laser printers and software from Onyx Graphics to drive the printers. Financing, service and support plus the extensive offering of Océ Imaging Supplies are also included. This agreement is unique within the Signs Now organization as it is the only large-scale program to carry the full support and recommendation of Signs Now Corporation. The agreement is one in a series of advancements that has allowed Signs Now Corporation to maintain a leadership position in the sign and graphics industry. Signs Now has been able to "stay ahead of the curve" when it comes to changes in technology through continual testing done by the company's research and development department. In comparative testing of new design improvements and equipment from industry manufacturers and suppliers, the department gave high marks to Océ equipment. "We are pleased to be working with Signs Now to help their franchisees expand their businesses with new digital color printing technology," said Mal Baboyian, President and CEO of Océ-USA, Inc. "Signs Now is known for delivering quality graphics products, and we are proud to be associated with this organization. Océ has always been known for offering productive, high-quality printers supported by experienced local service personnel, comprehensive technical support programs, top-quality supplies and flexible financing alternatives. We're pleased to be providing all of these benefits to franchisees of Signs Now." Signs Now Corporation sees this agreement as a way to bring value to its franchisees. The main benefit for Signs Now franchisees is the ability to choose—from one company—a series of large format printers that will enable them to get started in the digital signage business and expand as their businesses grow. Signs Now franchisees also benefit from nationally-negotiated pricing, marketing support and materials, plus education and training. Another attractive value-added component is the wide range of imaging supplies offered by Océ. "It's a complete turn-key solution for Signs Now and all of our franchisees," said Rick Baragar, Signs Now Director of Research & Project Development. "Other companies were approached," said Baragar. "None, however, were able to provide the complete solution. Océ ranks number one as a solutions provider—not only do they research, build and manufacture printers, they have the consumables line to feed the printers and they have a financing package that makes it very attractive to a franchisee who's trying to grow a business. Add to that an extensive array of marketing support, education and training, it's just a complete package." In addition, as a franchisee's volume increases and a printer's capacity has been reached, the franchisee has the ability to upgrade the machine, subject to the terms and conditions of the Océ lease agreement and trade-up agreement. "Franchisees have asked for a package like this and we are pleased to offer it," said Randy Corona, Signs Now Vice President of Operations. The program takes effect immediately and is available to all authorized Signs Now franchisees in the U.S.