August 4, 2005- Glen Cove, NY- Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging U.S.A., Inc. today announced it has signed a letter of intent on July 21, 2005 to acquire American Litho, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. American Litho is a World Class manufacturer of analog and digital offset printing plates for the global newspaper and commercial markets. The purchase will provide Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging U.S.A. with a modern, flexible U.S. manufacturing site for current and future analog and digital printing plates. American Litho will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging U.S.A. The agreement is expected to close on or before August 31, 2005. American Litho recently opened a new plate manufacturing facility which tripled the plant capacity. This major upgrade provides for Electro-Chemical grained plate manufacturing. American Litho's current diverse product offering includes thermal plates, optimized for Creo and Screen USA CTP platesetters. American's second generation UV plate, SPECTRUM UV, is an ultra high-speed plate for maximizing the output for basysPrint-Strobbe and alfaQuest CTP systems. In addition, American Litho manufactures a line of additive and subtractive plates for web printers. Steve Klotz, President of American Litho said “We are very excited about joining the Konica Minolta family. Their strong technical team will strengthen and expand our operation. In addition, our customers will benefit from a broader range of CTP products.” Steve Schuster, President of Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging U.S.A. said “We have been selling printing plates for several years and experiencing double digit growth. We have reached the point where a modern U.S. plate manufacturing facility is required to best support our customers. We have a long heritage of not only providing quality imaging products but also service, support and stability. This acquisition will serve as the platform for continuing that tradition into the future”. Mr. Schuster also stated “We have been late in starting U.S. plate manufacturing but we have the resources to quickly close the gap. Immediately after closing, construction of a third plate line will commence. We will utilize the Konica Minolta core competencies in chemical formulations and coating technologies to produce a broad range of CTP products.” Kiyofumi Tanida, President of Konica Minolta Medical and Graphic Imaging, Inc. stated “Konica Minolta is fully committed to expanding our graphic imaging business. I believe by having plate manufacturing capabilities, Konica Minolta sends a strong signal to its customers and distribution partners of commitment to the graphic imaging market.” The American Litho facility will serve as a foundation for expansion of the Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging U.S.A. plate business. Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging U.S.A. will continue to produce the current American Litho product line. In addition, it will add products designed by Konica Minolta Medical and Graphic R&D. The research scientists have developed several new and unique technologies for Violet, YAG, and Thermal CTP which will be manufactured in the Grand Rapids facility.