Maxtor Enters Into Strategic Agreement With TDK/SAE

(Auszug aus der Pressemitteilung)

MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 23 – Maxtor Corporation

(NYSE: MXO) today announced that it has entered into a five-year strategic
agreement with TDK/SAE (NYSE: TDK). Under the agreement, the companies will
collaborate on the development of future head technologies, as well as
manufacturing and manufacturing strategies. This strategic agreement with
TDK/SAE provides Maxtor with an assured supply of heads and head stack
assemblies on a „priority customer“ basis.

„We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with
TDK/SAE, a critical supplier to Maxtor,“ said Paul Tufano, president and chief
executive officer. „This agreement formalizes the collaborative effort
between our two companies on technology development and takes it to a new
level. We have broadened the scope of our relationship to include new
manufacturing strategies, which will provide a significant advantage in
bringing new products to market quickly and at a very competitive cost.
Finally, it provides TDK/SAE with predictable demand for heads and HSAs and
ensures that Maxtor will have an assured source of these critical components
as a priority customer for the years to come.“

„This agreement with Maxtor is the formalization of a strong alliance
between our two companies,“ said Raymond Leung, President of SAE. „We look
forward to our closer relationship with Maxtor and the benefits that this will
bring to both companies. As the hard drive industry continues to evolve, new
business models will be required to enhance our competitive advantage.
Therefore, this agreement is one of our long-term strategies that, we believe,
should help strengthen the position of our company as an independent recording
head manufacturer and place TDK/SAE and Maxtor in a very competitive position
for the future.“

Maxtor