Dell enters printer market with Lexmark deal

NEW YORK: Dell Computer Corporation said on Tuesday it made its first foray into the printer market by signing a deal with Lexmark International Inc. for the two companies to develop and produce Dell-branded printers. Terms of the agreement and product descriptions were not disclosed, and the companies have not set any volume levels relative to this agreement, the two firms said in a statement.

Dell, which had declared its intention to move into printers, said it had selected Lexmark as its preferred supplier for non-Dell manufactured printers and ink cartridges during the upcoming holiday selling season and beyond.

In addition, Dell said it would work with Lexmark to produce Dell products for office workgroups, small businesses and personal imaging with features and capabilities that are unique to Dell. It said Dell imaging products will be launched in the first half of next year.

Shares of Dell, which has also said it plans to enter the handheld computer market, closed at $24.19 on the Nasdaq on Monday. Lexmark closed at $42.47 on the New York Stock Exchange.






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