Kodak, Lucky Film Finalize Cooperative Agreement

Business Wire, Oct 29, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2003

Eastman Kodak Company and China Lucky Film Corp. have finalized a 20-year agreement under which they will work together to expand each company's market opportunities.

As part of the final contract, signed today in Beijing, Kodak will acquire 20 percent of Lucky Film Co., Ltd, in exchange for cash and other assets.

The contract, which requires final approval from relevant departments of the Chinese government, formally established a strategic partnership between the companies. The signing of the contract follows the announcement made by Kodak and Lucky on Oct. 22 that they would work together to build the photography market in Asia.

The agreement anticipates that Lucky will strengthen its position in the markets it serves, while Kodak, the world's largest maker of photographic film, will expand its market presence in China and other parts of Asia. Kodak will do so by leveraging Lucky's position as the largest maker of photographic film headquartered in China, with its nationwide sales network and cultural and geographic advantages.

As the companies announced on Oct. 22, Kodak will, over time, provide to Lucky technical support, equipment upgrades as well as training. Lucky will pay Kodak for the use of selected technologies, and will pay dividends on the shares Kodak owns.

Kodak estimates that the cost of the transaction, when fully implemented, will total approximately $100 million in cash plus other assets. The majority of the cash outlay will occur in 2004.

Editor's Note: For additional information about Kodak, visit our web site on the Internet at www.kodak.com