(18/05/2004) Agfa and M-real Sign Worldwide Agreement for Remote Proofing in Package Printing

:SherpaProof Systems to Ensure Consistent Colour for Brand Protection. Dusseldorf, Germany - Drupa - 18 May 2004 - Agfa and M-real announced today that they have signed an agreement to install :SherpaProof systems in the M-real printing plants and network partner printers across the world. The agreement extends over a period of three years. The systems will ensure consistent colour package printing via :SherpaProof remote proofing across 40 M-real locations. They comprise :Grand Sherpa 50m digital inkjet proofers, Agfa ink, media and software for colour and quality management. In addition, client management service contracts will ensure flawless and uninterrupted performance of the remote proofing application. Four systems have already been installed, two of which are in operation at M-real's Prepress Competence Centre PPC at Sint Niklaas, Belgium. PPC prepares plate-ready files for use by M-real printing partners around the world. “We chose Agfa for remote proofing because unlike other vendors they have developed a comprehensive solution and can support it with expert service across the globe,' says M-real's vice president of Design and Brand Protection/IBP Deals, Luc Van Gestel. “:SherpaProof guarantees a perfect match between the proof and the print result. Most consumer goods companies have a global presence, and we now have the tools to provide global uniformity for their branded products.' About M-real. M-real is one of Europe's leading suppliers of paper, paperboard and packaging solutions. Its most important product ranges are coated and uncoated fine papers and high-quality magazine papers, as well as packaging boards for consumer products. M-real has grown to become the European market leader in both coated and uncoated fine papers and is one of Europe's largest paper merchants. The company's turnover in 2003 was 6,000 million euros. M-real employs 16,500 people. About Agfa. The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world's leading imaging companies. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analogue and digital systems, intended mainly for the graphics industry, healthcare, micrographics, motion picture and photography markets. Agfa's headquarters are in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is active in 40 countries and has 120 agents throughout the world. Together they achieved a turnover of 4,215 million euros in 2003. Product and company information can be found on Agfa's home page on the World Wide Web at: www.agfa.com. Editor contact: Marc Verbiest PR Manager Graphic Systems +32-3-444 4101 marcverbiest@agfapress.com Luc Van Gestel VP Design and Brand Protection IBP Deals +32-2-777 1370 luc.vangestel@m-real.com (C) CompanynewsGroup