Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, Inc. will sell its offset printing plate business, including subsidiary American Lithoplate, Inc., to Southern Lithoplate, Inc. The anticipated closing is scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2010. The decision to sell was based on the long term strategy of Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.

Kazuhiko Fukushima, President and CEO of Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, Inc. said, "Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging has a long standing tradition and heritage in the prepress and printing supply business. We are honored by our loyal customer relationships over these many decades. We thank our customers for their belief and support which fueled our growth in the CTP and conventional plate business over the last three years.

We are very pleased to confirm Southern Lithoplate as our successor in the offset printing plate business. Southern Lithoplate has customer values very similar to ours which facilitated this sale. The continuity of customer supply, service and support is our primary objective during this transition process."

Edward A. "Trip" Casson, Chairman & CEO of Southern Lithoplate stated, "We are honored by the opportunity to support Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, Inc. in this transition. Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging and Southern Lithoplate have closely shared values for delivering the highest level of quality, response, guidance and support for our customers. These shared values were core to this transaction. Both companies are contacting customers and vendors alike to reassure them of our joint commitment to a smooth transition." Casson continued, "In addition to further positioning Southern Lithoplate as a premier & trusted supplier for the North American news and commercial print market, this will expand our growing commitment to our international markets including, but not limited to South America."