OCE : CANON SEEKS DELISTING OF OCÉ N.V.

Tokyo, Japan and Amsterdam, The Netherlands - 22 December 2011 - Canon Inc. ("Canon") expresses the intention to realize a delisting of Océ N.V. ("Océ") from the Amsterdam stock exchange NYSE Euronext, following the acquisition of the ordinary shares held by Orbis Funds ("Orbis") in Océ ("Orbis Shares"), bringing Canon's ownership in Océ to 98.83 per cent of the entire issued share capital (including cumulative preference shares). This increased percentage allows Canon and Océ to start discussions about the delisting procedure and the timing thereof, taking into account all regulatory requirements.

Canon will also commence statutory buyout proceedings under Dutch law ("squeeze out procedure") in due course to effect the purchase of the remaining minority shareholdings. The acquired Orbis Shares represent approximately 10.8 per cent of the ordinary share capital and 8.8 per cent of the entire issued share capital of Océ (including cumulative preference shares).

As stated in the Offering Memorandum dated 28 January 2010, Canon has always had the intention to ultimately acquire 100% of Océ's shares. With 98.83 per cent of the shares of Océ, Canon and Océ will be able to start preparing for the delisting procedure of Océ and continue to accelerate further the integration of Océ into the Canon Group, following which the combination can realize the benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Canon and Océ will provide more information on the related proceedings as and when appropriate.

Note to the editor

For further information, please contact:

Media representatives in Japan
Canon Inc.
Richard Berger ([e-mail])
Mobile: [phone]
Office: [phone]

Media representatives in The Netherlands
Hill & Knowlton Nederland:
Frans van der Grint ([e-mail])
Mobile: + 31 (0) 6 290 44 053
Office: + 31 (0) 20 404 47 07

About Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon's extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 195,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon's consolidated net sales for fiscal 2010 (ended December 31, 2010) totalled $45.8 billion (at an exchange rate of 81 = US$1). Visit the Canon Inc.