Press Release
Canon Europe announces move to
new headquarters in London
LONDON, 1 May 2009 - Canon Europe announces today plans to move to a new headquarters
in London. The decision follows a strategic review, which will see the consolidation of sales
and marketing functions in the UK and key departments moving to London from Canon
Europa N.V. in Amstelveen. The new Canon Europe headquarters will be located in Stockley
Park, near Heathrow.
The move is designed to support improved communications and better decision making across
the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and create a more effective organisation
to support Canon’s customers.
Ryoichi Bamba, President and CEO of Canon Europe, said, “We have transformed our
headquarters in London in order to better support our customers in EMEA. A London location
will be beneficial for both our customers and partners, and bring us closer to key players in the
global business community.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:
"It's brilliant news that such a renowned, world beating company as Canon has chosen our
great city to establish its European HQ. We will do all we can to help them consolidate their
operations in west London and ensure the staff relocating here settle in. Like many other
global companies, Canon recognises the magnificent opportunities that London offers for
overseas business, with unrivalled access to western markets, a skilled workforce and one of
the most diverse social and leisure scenes in the world.
"My message to global companies, looking to follow Canon, is that you will not only receive
the warmest of welcomes but we will ensure you get off to a flying start in our city and are
immediately successful. We are investing heavily in our infrastructure to provide business
opportunities, as well as in skills and training programmes, and I am therefore supremely
confident that the future is extremely bright for global companies who choose to set up shop in
London."
Michael Charlton, Chief Executive at Think London, the foreign direct investment agency for
London, adds, “It is great news that Canon has decided to consolidate its European operations
in London, helping to maintain and create new jobs. Think London is delighted to have
worked alongside Canon in advising on and supporting this strategic investment. Our
benchmarking of London against competing locations for Canon showed that London wins
hands down when it comes to the key business criteria for establishing or expanding a
business in Europe. Canon’s expansion reinforces the fact that there has never been a better
time to invest in London, the number one European city for business.”
- ENDS -
Note to Editors:
The new Canon Europe headquarters does not affect Canon UK which is located in
Woodhatch, Reigate (Surrey).
About Canon Europe
Canon Europe is a subsidiary of Canon Inc. of Japan, a world-leading innovator and
provider of imaging solutions for individuals and businesses.
The main business focus for Canon Europe is in two clearly defined markets: Business
Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for the office and
professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (photo, video, printers,
scanners, fax machines and multifunction devices).
Canon Europe also provides Industrial Products including broadcast lenses,
semiconductor and medical equipment.
Canon Europe employs over 11,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa
(EMEA).
Further information about Canon Europe is available at:
www.canon-europe.com
About Think London
Think London is the foreign direct investment agency for London, assisting companies
moving to the UK capital by offering access to business networks, people and opportunities.
Think London is a not-for-profit, private-public partnership delivering expertise and advice to
international businesses. The agency’s service is completely free, comprehensive and
confidential. Think London’s experts work with government and the business community to
help companies access the best people, places and opportunities in the city. Think London’s
principal funding partners are the London Development Agency (LDA) and our network of
commercial partners. Other key partners are the City of London Corporation, which also
provides funding, UK Trade & Investment and the business community through London First.
www.thinklondon.com
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Europe PR:
Lisa Boustead / Elliot Adams
Nelson Bostock Communications (on behalf of Canon Europe)
Tel. +44 (0)20 7792 7421/ +44 (0)20 7792 7412
lisa.boustead@nelsonbostock.com / Elliot.adams@nelsonbostock.com
Think London – Press enquiries:
Ravi Sunnak
Trimedia UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7478 7818
ravi.sunnak@trimediauk.com
Mayor of London’s Press Office:
Richard Brookes or Helen Collier
Tel: 020 7983 6550 / 020 7983 4020
economicdesk@london.gov.uk (not for publication)