Speaking to financial journalists at a briefing in Tokyo earlier this week, Fujifilm’s chairman and chief executive rejected the notion of making an increased, $40 (£30) per share offer for the business.
The figure of “at least” $40 per share was the benchmark touted by activist investors Darwin Deason and Carl Icahn, who have successfully put a halt to the $6.1bn original takeover deal agreed in January between Xerox’s then-board and Fujifilm.
The Asahi Shimbun reported that Komori said Fujifilm was “not opposed to considering any new proposal from the new Xerox board if it’s beneficial for both firms,” but the $40 per share sought by Icahn and Deason was “too high.”
Fujifilm could end the merger talks altogether if there is no progress in around six months.
The Japanese manufacturer believes that Xerox cannot realistically stay in business without the benefit of the products that come from the Fuji Xerox joint venture, it was reported. Fujifilm currently owns 75% of Fuji Xerox.
Fujifilm is set to make a further court filing in New York next week in relation to the thwarted deal.
Xerox has set a date of 31 July for its annual meeting of shareholders.
Separately, Fuji Xerox opened a new printing innovation hub in Japan at the end of last month. The 7,000sqm Future Edge facility in Ebina city showcases the potential for leading edge technologies including the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and robotic automation. It incorporates the entire range of Fuji Xerox production printers, as well as Fujifilm’s Jet Press 720S B2 sheetfed inkjet press and XMF workflow “to maximise the business synergy of the Fujifilm Group”.
