Lenovo and NEC Corporation today announced the launch of NEC Lenovo Japan Group, which becomes Japan?s biggest PC provider.

According to recent analyst figures released by IDC Japan, the new group will total nearly 25 percent of Japan?s PC market, with a strong presence in both the commercial/government sector and in consumer sales.

"We are proud to announce the launch of NEC Lenovo Japan Group. We have been engaged in extensive talks with NEC since the announcement of the joint venture in January to further mutual growth and cement our foundation for delivering innovative, high-quality products and services to Japanese customers. We would like to stress again that we are fully committed to the Japanese market and we are determined to continue to lead the PC industry in Japan and expand this strategic alliance beyond the PC business," stated Yang Yuanqing, CEO of Lenovo.

Based on the strategic alliance between NEC and Lenovo, NEC Lenovo Japan Group comprises of three companies: the holding company, Lenovo NEC Holdings B.V., newly founded on July 1, and its 100 percent owned subsidiary companies, NEC Personal Computers Ltd., newly formed by separating NEC?s PC business unit from NEC Personal Products Ltd., and Lenovo Japan Ltd. As a result of this transaction, NEC has received from Lenovo US$175 million through an issue of Lenovo shares.

NEC and Lenovo both hold stakes in the joint venture (51 percent by Lenovo and 49 percent by NEC). Roderick Lappin, President of Lenovo Japan Ltd., is Executive Chairman of the joint venture whilst Hideyo Takasu, President and representative director of NEC Personal Computers Ltd., is President and CEO.

To celebrate the launch of the new joint venture, the companies will offer one million yen worth of prizes through NEC Direct and Lenovo Shopping, shopping sites belonging to both companies. Winners will be selected by lottery. Details of the "NEC Lenovo Japan Group Launch Celebration Campaign," which runs from July 4, 2011 to August 4, 2011 are available at http://campaign.nec-lenovo.jp/.

Along with the formal launch of the joint venture, NEC Lenovo Japan today announced the following two new initiatives:

- NEC?s "Product Help Support" service, provided by 121 Contact Center, will now extend free technical support beyond the first year. Previously, the company' s customers had to pay for a second year of support, but from January 2012, customers will receive free support for the lifetime of their PC ownership.

- NEC Personal Computer Ltd. will bring its know-how in customer services to the joint venture, and will be entrusted with Lenovo?s telephone-based consumer PC support service in Japan from October 2011.

The new group will maintain the Lenovo and NEC brands and each product will continue to be sold through their existing respective sales channels.