Gartner says EMEA Page Printer, Copier and Multi Functional Product Market Grew 5 Percent in the First Half of 2006

Egham, U.K., , August 30, 2006 — The combined page printer, copier and multifunctional product (MFP) market in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) grew 5 percent in the first half of 2006, with shipments totalling 22 million units, according to Gartner, Inc.

Colour page copier and inkjet MFP sales fuelled the market in the first half of the year, increasing by 98 percent and 24 percent respectively compared to the same period last year. A greater range of colour offerings and lower average selling prices (ASPs) stimulated colour penetration in the business segment. In addition, the demand for single function inkjet printers lowered as consumers opted for better value MFP alternatives with particular high demand for photo-centric MFP products.

In the first half of 2006, low-end page printers boosted the overall page printer market and became an affordable alternative to inkjet devices for customers. Page printer shipments increased 10 percent from the same period last year.

“Hewlett-Packard excelled in the colour page market by gaining 14 percent market share points from its competitors in the second quarter of 2006, which helped the company secure its domination in the first half of 2006. It also performed well in the inkjet market thanks to a good mix of both MFPs and printer offerings, an aggressive advertising campaign across Europe and competitive prices,” said Cecile Drew, principal analyst at Gartner.

Epson had a difficult period, failing to keep pace with the market and losing market share in key countries, such as the UK, Italy and Russia, traditionally strong countries for Epson.  Brother had the strongest growth in the first half of the year, growing 42 percent from the same period last year. Brother’s MFP product line is much improved since last year and combined with aggressive promotions in the retail market, this helped the company make its mark in retail across Europe.

Both the inkjet and page technology markets for printers, copiers and multifunctional devices are on track to reach 54 million units in 2006, a 13 percent increase from last year. “Vendors will continue to consolidate their product lines during the second half of the year and strong demand for low-end MFPs will sustain, as they remain attractive alternatives to single function devices in the small, home office (SOHO) segment,” added Ms Drew. 

Table 1
EMEA Printer, Copier and MFP Unit Shipments for first half 2006 (thousands)

Vendor	2005 H1 Shipments	2005 H1 Share %	2006 H1 Shipments	2006 H1 Share %	2006 H1-2005 H1 Growth %
Hewlett-Packard	8,184	38.8%	8,647	41.0%	6%
Canon	3,292	15.6%	3,488	16.5%	6%
Epson	3,170	15.0%	2,683	12.7%	-15%
Lexmark	2,097	9.9%	2,178	10.3%	4%
Brother	891	4.2%	1,269	6.0%	42%
Others	3,480	16.5%	3,815	18.1%	10%
Total	21,115	100.0%	22,080	104.6%	5%

Source: Gartner Dataquest (August 2006)

Contacts:


Carina Forsling
Gartner
+46 8 624 6324
carina.forsling@gartner.com

Laurence Goasduff
Gartner
+ 44 1784 267 195
laurence.goasduff@gartner.com


About Gartner:
Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. Gartner delivers the technology-related insight necessary for its clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, Gartner is the indispensable partner to 60,000 clients in 10,000 distinct organizations. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events, Gartner works with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and has 4,000 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants in 80 countries. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.