Epson to open in Nigeria

Nigerian users of Epson products may not have to worry again about how to get most of their damaged equipment repaired, as Epson promises to open an office in Nigeria by mid-year, according to Vanguard.

The company made the promise, for the purpose of providing after-sales support, at a two-day consumer event, attended by resellers and end-users, in Lagos, last week.

The company also in a classical marketing style facilitated by Technology Distributions, revealed the depth of options available in the Epson products portfolio, and unveiled a seven-man Epson team - led by Shaun Robinson, account manager, Africa.

HP, which is scrutinising its entire ad-agency roster, is consolidating the account for its Imaging and Printing Group at Omnicom Group's BBDO Worldwide, reports AdvertisingAge.

BBDO, which has been handling the account in non-US markets since April, when it replaced Publicis Worldwide, now picks up the US portion of the account.

According to one executive familiar with the matter, HP last year devoted between $50 million and $100 million to marketing its imaging and printing business in the US.

Lexmark has reported an 82% drop in its fourth-quarter earnings due to restructuring charges and falling sales, but the printing and imaging company's shares rose due to an earnings forecast that exceeded analysts' estimates, reports MarketWatch.

Lexmark shares rose 10c to close at $24.96. The stock has lost more than 30% of its value over the last year.

The company reported a fourth-quarter profit of $18.1 million, or 23c a share, compared with $99 million, or $1.04, in the year-earlier period. Revenue fell to $1.08 billion from $1.31 billion a year ago.