Canon named in Business Week's Best Global Brands ranking 2008

The 100 Best Global Brands report identifies the top 100 brands that have managed to create and sustain strong worldwide performance in today's competitive market. To qualify, each brand must derive at least a third of its earnings outside its home country, be recognisable outside of its base of customers and have publicly available marketing and financial data.

"Canon is a highly regarded and trusted brand in the Middle East, a sentiment that is shared globally throughout our markets. What distinguishes Canon as a brand is our leading edge technology, proven performance and range of products that cater to all our customers needs,"

said Bertil Wildmark, Managing Director, Canon Middle East.

Canon's brand value has risen to $10,876m, a 3% increase from 2007, allowing the company to retain its 36th position for 2008. The report noted Canon's strong selling performance despite tough market conditions and fierce competition. The report also acknowledged Canon's drive to improve its environmental credentials.

James Leipnik, Chief of Communication and Corporate Relations for Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa said:

"Canon is a very successful brand and these results demonstrate our commitment to delivering outstanding imaging solutions to our customers. We place innovation and customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do so it is gratifying to be acknowledged as a world leading brand once again."

Brands are ranked according to brand value which is calculated by working out what percentage of the revenues generated can be attributed to the brand and then determining a risk profile on its expected earnings, based on market leadership, stability and global reach.