Singapore, August 18, 2009 - SATO, a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labelling, and EPC/RFID solutions announced its financial results for the fiscal 2009 first quarter; the consolidated sales was JPY 17.9billion (US$ 184million), a decline of 17.0% from the year earlier, but up by 7.3% globally compared to fiscal 2008 fourth quarter performance. Likewise, operating income was JPY 0.2billion (US$ 2million), down by 83.5% from the year earlier but recovering from JPY 1.1billion (US$ 12million) loss incurred during the last quarter; a positive impact of the cost reduction effort such as group-wide structural reform.

“This faster-than-expected sign of recovery, including the 6.0% growth achieved by our combined businesses outside of Japan against fiscal 2008 fourth quarter, is especially evident in media deals, picking up as the production returns in the manufacturing sector. With half-year forecast earnings revised upwards, we are confident of maintaining the momentum despite the challenging economic environment,” said Kaz Matsuyama, Managing Director of SATO International.
*Conversion used in the above news release is based on an average exchange rate of 1 US Dollar = 97.36 Japanese Yen.

About SATO
SATO is a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and the inventor of the world’s first electronic thermal transfer barcode printer. It revolutionised the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) & Labelling concept – a total barcode and labelling solution providing high quality barcode printers, scanners/hand-held terminals, label design software and consumables. SATO is one of the first in the industry to introduce a complete, multi-protocol EPC-compliant, UHF RFID solution.

SATO is publicly listed on the first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan. It has worldwide offices in the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and China. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, it reported revenues of US$776 million. More information about SATO Corporation can be found at www.sato.co.jp/english

About SATO International
SATO’s international global headquarters, SATO International Pte. Ltd. is located in Singapore. Previously an international division, it was incorporated as a holding company in Singapore in 2001 to oversee the sales, marketing and customer services activities of all its Group Member Companies. More information about SATO International can be found at www.satoworldwide.com

*Conversion is based on an average exchange rate of 1US Dollar = 100.71 Japanese Yen.

Contact:
Yuji Shimizu (Mr)
Senior Manager, Corporate Planning
SATO International PTE. LTD.
438A, Alexandra Road #05-01/04
Alexandra Technopark
Singapore 119967
Tel: (65) 6271-2122
Fax: (65) 6271-2151
Email: communications@sato-int.com