HARMAN TECHNOLOGY TO DISTRIBUTE PATERSON PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTS

Leading photo-imaging business will help reputed provider of darkroom equipment
with worldwide product distribution.

HARMAN technology Limited has once again shown the strength of its long
term commitment to the global analogue photography market. Through its
respected monochrome brand - ILFORD PHOTO - the company has already
launched a campaign to ‘Defend the Darkroom’, which aims to safeguard the
future of darkrooms and associated techniques, whilst showing how analogue
and digital photography can co-exist. Now the UK-based photo-imaging
specialist has announced it is to build on this by assisting a respected
provider of darkroom equipment with its international distribution.

In a landmark agreement, HARMAN technology will use its established export
channels to make it easier than ever for photographers and enthusiasts
throughout the world to access the Paterson Photographic range of products.
These products, which include everything from tongs to spiral tanks and
enlargers, have built up a significant following both in the UK and US. By
establishing a trading relationship with HARMAN, Paterson now hopes to
emulate this success on a truly global scale.

Perhaps most notably, HARMAN will now take over the distribution of
Paterson’s three speciality liquid film developers which are noted for
their excellent performance, especially excellent image sharpness. Due to
be offered in a handy 500ml size instead of the current 1litre bottles,
these developers give extra sharp detail in silver gelatine images and were
formulated by Geoffrey Crawley – a renowned expert in the science of
photography.

The move also brings together two manufacturers with substantial synergy.
Through its ILFORD PHOTO brand of black and white films, real photo baryta
papers and photochemistry, HARMAN already serves many of the same customers
as Paterson. As such, the partnership is a natural one which will also give
distributors the convenience of sourcing much of their analogue photography
products from a single source.

Speaking of the new partnership, Richard Perry, Managing Director of
Paterson Photographic said: “Paterson Photographic and HARMAN have built up
a good relationship over the years through our work serving the same
customer base. Considering this, and our mutual passion for analogue
photography, it makes sense for us to join forces. The move will strengthen
and widen our distribution network, whilst offering photographers the
benefits of increased product choice and availability.”

His views were echoed by HARMAN technology Marketing Director, Howard
Hopwood who commented: “In an increasingly digital age, HARMAN technology’s
new partnership with Paterson Photographic can reassure people that it will
always be easy to buy analogue photography and darkroom products –
especially when some might believe that affordability or stability of
supply can be issues.

“By working together, we will also be even better placed to support
important darkroom markets, like the education sector, and to offer
exciting joint initiatives.

“An example of this will be our Back to School promotion taking place in
2008. Designed to coincide with the start of the new academic year, it will
offer students the chance to purchase a Paterson spiral tank with a free
roll of ILFORD PHOTO film at a discounted price. Plus this is just the
beginning. Other joint promotional campaigns and even product developments
are already planned for the future.”

The new distribution arrangement (which excludes the UK and a limited
number of other territories where Paterson will continue to distribute its
products as normal) comes into effect for all markets bar the United States
from 1st April 2008. The US meanwhile will enjoy all the benefits of the
new partnership from 4th June 2008. WYNIT INC, the HARMAN technology
distributor will become the exclusive distributor of Paterson photo
products for the USA.

For more information on HARMAN technology and its brands, visit:
www.harmantechnology.com

For more information on Paterson Photographic, visit:
www.patersonphotographic.com