RICOH

Corporate brand

RICOH is a Japanese multinational technology group specializing in office imaging, production printing, document management, IT services, cameras and related digital solutions.

Last updated August 31, 2026

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Overview

RICOH is the principal brand of Ricoh Company, Ltd., a Japanese technology group founded in Tokyo in 1936. The company began as Riken Sensitized Paper, a business originating from the commercial activities of Riken, Japan’s Institute of Physical and Chemical Research. Its early business centered on photosensitive paper and related imaging technologies, but it progressively expanded into office machines, optical equipment, electronics and information-management systems. That diversification helped make Ricoh one of the most significant global suppliers of copiers and printers during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. The company’s office-technology portfolio includes multifunction printers, copiers, fax machines, production-print systems, laser printers, projectors, interactive displays and document-capture equipment. The Aficio family became an important global office-equipment brand from the 1990s onward, while Ricoh Pro systems address commercial and industrial production printing. Beyond hardware, Ricoh supplies document-management, workflow, print-management and collaboration software. Examples associated with its software and services portfolio include DocumentMall, RicohDocs, GlobalScan, Print&Share, MakeLeaps and Streamline NX. The group also provides managed print services, business-process services, cloud and IT infrastructure support, cybersecurity-related services, data-center services and workplace-technology solutions. RICOH has also maintained a substantial imaging identity. Its compact and enthusiast camera businesses include the GR series of small, fixed-lens cameras and the THETA series of consumer 360-degree cameras. Following the 2011 acquisition of Pentax’s imaging business, camera operations were placed in Ricoh Imaging, which continues to manage the Pentax and Ricoh imaging brands. Ricoh’s earlier history also includes film cameras, digital compacts, rugged cameras and the experimental GXR interchangeable-unit camera system. The company has additionally produced or supplied electronic components, including semiconductor devices used in video-game consoles and arcade hardware, although those activities are less visible in its current brand positioning. Growth was accelerated through a series of acquisitions and integrations. Ricoh acquired Lanier Worldwide, combined several European operations, bought IBM’s printing-systems business and later acquired IKON Office Solutions. It also purchased Pentax Imaging from Hoya and acquired a majority stake in PFU from Fujitsu. These transactions broadened Ricoh’s geographic reach, office-services capabilities, production-print expertise and imaging portfolio. The group operates through regional organizations in Japan, the Americas, Europe, China and Asia-Pacific, with sales, support, manufacturing and research activities spanning many countries. Today, RICOH is positioned less as a pure copier manufacturer and more as a provider of digital workplace, information-management and production-print solutions, while retaining recognizable hardware franchises in office imaging and cameras. Its strategic themes include workflow digitization, cloud-connected document processes, hybrid work, automation, sustainability and the modernization of commercial printing. The company remains listed in Japan and operates internationally through a large network of subsidiaries and regional businesses.

History

Ricoh was established on 6 February 1936 as Riken Sensitized Paper, the commercialized business of the Riken Concern, which was associated with Japan’s Institute of Physical and Chemical Research. Its headquarters were initially in Tokyo, and the company’s first field was photosensitive paper and imaging materials. The business later adopted the Ricoh name and moved through successive stages of optical, photographic and office-equipment development. In 1955, Ricoh introduced the Ricopy 101, a desktop diazo wet copier designed for blueprint duplication. The machine represented an early move from consumable imaging materials into office hardware and was subsequently recognized as an example of Japanese mechanical-engineering heritage. During the 1960s and 1970s, Ricoh experimented beyond office equipment, including a short-lived watchmaking business and a partnership connected with Hamilton electric watches. The company’s manufacturing and technology relationships broadened considerably during the 1980s and 1990s. Ricoh produced or supplied copiers, fax machines, duplicators and components for other companies, including Pitney Bowes, Toshiba, AT&T and Omnifax. It also manufactured semiconductor devices used in Nintendo entertainment systems, Sega and Fujitsu platforms and arcade hardware. At the same time, its own office-equipment business grew rapidly. From the late 1990s into the early 2000s, Ricoh became one of the world’s largest copier manufacturers and built a broad international brand architecture around Ricoh, Aficio and acquired businesses such as Savin, Gestetner, Lanier, Rex-Rotary, Nashuatec and IKON. The 2000s were marked by consolidation and international integration. Ricoh acquired Lanier Worldwide in 2001 and Hitachi Printing Solutions in 2004. It obtained naming rights for sports and entertainment venues in Toronto and Coventry, increasing the visibility of the corporate brand outside technology markets. In 2007, Ricoh announced the purchase of IBM’s Printing Systems Division and formed InfoPrint Solutions Company with IBM participation. In 2008, it completed the acquisition of IKON Office Solutions for a reported $1.6 billion, strengthening its North American services operation. Ricoh also integrated European and country-level organizations to create a more unified regional operating structure. In imaging, Ricoh acquired Pentax’s imaging systems business from Hoya in 2011. The business initially operated as Pentax Ricoh Imaging and was renamed Ricoh Imaging in 2013. This transaction gave Ricoh control of a respected interchangeable-lens camera and optical-product heritage while allowing the company to continue developing its own GR and THETA products. Ricoh’s camera activities subsequently became a distinct part of its identity alongside office technology. The company faced significant restructuring pressure as conventional printing volumes changed and customers moved toward digital workflows. In 2011, Ricoh announced a large worldwide workforce reduction and planned to shift employees toward growth areas. It simultaneously increased emphasis on managed print, document capture, cloud services, software and IT support. Ricoh India’s 2016 accounting-fraud disclosure was a serious governance event within the group’s history and resulted in the resignation of senior Ricoh India leaders. Ricoh continued to expand its digital and production-print capabilities. It acquired Avanti Computer Systems in 2017 for print-management information systems and announced a partnership with Cisco in 2019. In 2022, it acquired 80 percent of PFU from Fujitsu, adding capabilities associated with scanners and information capture. Ricoh later sold Avanti to eProductivity Software in 2025, indicating continuing portfolio adjustment. The modern group operates across office imaging, commercial printing, information management, digital workplace services, IT infrastructure, cameras and related technologies, with operations organized across Japan, the Americas, Europe, China and Asia-Pacific.

2022
PFU majority stake acquired
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh acquired 80 percent of PFU from Fujitsu.
2017
Avanti acquired
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh added Avanti’s production-print management software to its portfolio.
2013
Imaging subsidiary renamed Ricoh Imaging
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Pentax Ricoh Imaging adopted the Ricoh Imaging Company name.
2011
Pentax imaging business acquired
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh acquired Pentax Imaging from Hoya and established Pentax Ricoh Imaging.
2008
IKON Office Solutions acquired
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh completed the acquisition of IKON, strengthening its North American office-services platform.
2007
InfoPrint Solutions Company established
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh and IBM created InfoPrint Solutions Company around IBM’s printing-systems business.
2001
Lanier Worldwide acquired
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
The acquisition expanded Ricoh’s office-equipment distribution and service presence.
1996
Aficio becomes a global brand
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh began using Aficio as a global office-equipment brand.
1955
Ricopy 101 introduced
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh launched the Ricopy 101 diazo wet copier for desktop blueprint duplication.
1936
Company founded as Riken Sensitized Paper
[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Ricoh originated as a commercial enterprise of the Riken Concern and began operations in Tokyo as a producer of photosensitive paper.

Products and positioning

A global business-technology provider combining office imaging hardware, production printing, document workflows, IT services and specialist imaging products.

Office multifunction printers
RICOH IM C series
The IM C family is a range of color multifunction office systems combining printing, copying, scanning and document workflow functions. These devices are designed for networked workplaces and can be integrated with software, authentication and managed-print environments.
Production printing
RICOH Pro
RICOH Pro is the company’s production-print family for commercial printers, in-plant print departments and other high-volume environments. The line emphasizes throughput, color or monochrome output, finishing and integration with professional print workflows.
Digital cameras · 1996
RICOH GR
The GR series consists of compact enthusiast cameras built around a fixed wide-angle lens and a pocketable body. The line is known for fast operation, unobtrusive form factors and a strong street-photography orientation.
360-degree cameras · 2013
RICOH THETA
THETA is Ricoh’s line of consumer and professional 360-degree cameras. Its products capture spherical still images and video and are used for personal photography, virtual tours, documentation and immersive content creation.
Office equipment · 1996
Aficio
Aficio was Ricoh’s globally deployed office-equipment brand, covering multifunction printers, copiers and related workflow products. Many Aficio products helped establish Ricoh as a major international supplier of networked office imaging systems.
Document software
GlobalScan
GlobalScan is a document-capture and distribution solution associated with Ricoh’s software portfolio. It helps organizations scan paper records and route digitized information into business processes and repositories.
Print and document management software
Streamline NX
Streamline NX supports print management, document capture, device administration and workflow control. It is intended for organizations seeking to manage fleets of printers and connect physical output with digital processes.
Cloud document management
DocumentMall
DocumentMall is a software-as-a-service document-management offering associated with Ricoh. It provides centralized storage and controlled access to business documents and supports digitized information workflows.

Controversies

2016
Ricoh India accounting-fraud disclosure
Ricoh India acknowledged an estimated accounting-fraud issue reported at approximately ₹1,123 crore. The disclosure was followed by the resignations of managing director and chief executive Manoj Kumar and chairman Tetsuya Takano.
Source

2008Times Square renewable-energy billboard
United States
Ricoh unveiled an advertising billboard in New York’s Times Square designed to operate using solar and wind power, linking brand communication with environmental messaging.
Outcome. Public sustainability-oriented brand activation.
Source
2007Women’s British Open title sponsorship
United Kingdom · International golf markets
Ricoh became title sponsor of the Women’s British Open, associating the brand with one of professional women’s golf’s leading tournaments.
Outcome. Historical sports-marketing program.
Source
2005Ricoh Arena naming rights
United Kingdom
Ricoh obtained naming rights for Coventry’s stadium and entertainment complex. The venue carried the Ricoh Arena name until 2021, apart from a temporary Olympic-period naming change.
Outcome. Long-running venue branding agreement that ended in 2021.
Source
1981Stoke City shirt sponsorship
United Kingdom
Ricoh served as shirt sponsor of Stoke City during the early 1980s, using football sponsorship to build consumer visibility for the corporate brand.
Outcome. Historical sponsorship; no longer active.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Acquire majority stake in PFUM&A
Background
Ricoh pursued stronger capabilities in scanning, information capture and digital document processes.
Action taken
Ricoh acquired 80 percent of PFU from Fujitsu.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened Ricoh’s information-management and document-input portfolio.
Source
2011
Shift resources toward growth businessesStrategy
Background
Changes in office-print demand created pressure to reduce dependence on traditional hardware sales and improve operating efficiency.
Action taken
Ricoh announced a worldwide workforce reduction of up to 10,000 positions by March 2014 and planned to reassign 15,000 workers toward growth areas.
Aftermath
The decision reflected a broader transition toward services, software, digital workflows and higher-growth technology businesses.
Source
2011
Enter the Pentax imaging businessM&A
Background
Ricoh sought to reinforce its camera and optical-imaging position while broadening beyond office equipment.
Action taken
It acquired Hoya’s Pentax imaging systems business and organized it under a new imaging subsidiary.
Aftermath
The subsidiary was renamed Ricoh Imaging in 2013 and continued to manage Pentax and Ricoh camera activities.
Reported transaction value. Approximately 10 billion Japanese yen (2011 reported deal estimate)
Source
2008
Acquire IKON Office SolutionsM&A
Background
Ricoh aimed to increase its direct sales, service and managed-print presence in North America.
Action taken
Ricoh announced and completed the acquisition of IKON Office Solutions.
Aftermath
IKON’s customer-facing network became an important part of Ricoh’s North American office-technology operations.
Reported acquisition value. 1.6 billion USD (2008 announcement)
Source
2007
Expand into enterprise and production printing through IBM transactionM&A
Background
Ricoh sought to strengthen its position in higher-volume and enterprise printing beyond conventional office copiers.
Action taken
It announced the purchase of IBM’s Printing Systems Division and a three-year joint venture that created InfoPrint Solutions Company, in which Ricoh held a majority share.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Ricoh’s production-print and enterprise-printing capabilities.
Reported transaction value. 725 million USD (2007 announcement)
Source

Recent events

2024
Ricoh joins MSCI KLD 400 Social Index[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Other
Ricoh was included in the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, an index associated with environmental, social and governance screening.
2022
Ricoh acquires majority stake in PFU[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Ricoh announced the acquisition of 80 percent of PFU from Fujitsu, broadening its capabilities in scanners, information capture and related technology.
2019
Ricoh announces Cisco partnership[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Other
Ricoh announced a partnership with Cisco Systems focused on connected workplace and business-technology capabilities.
2017
Ricoh acquires Avanti Computer Systems[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Ricoh acquired Avanti, a Toronto-based provider of print-management information systems for production-print customers.
2011
Ricoh announces global workforce restructuring[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
Other
Ricoh announced plans to reduce its worldwide workforce and reallocate personnel toward businesses it considered to have stronger growth prospects.
2011
Ricoh acquires Pentax imaging business[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Ricoh acquired Hoya’s Pentax imaging business, creating a dedicated imaging subsidiary that later became Ricoh Imaging Company.
2008
Ricoh completes IKON Office Solutions acquisition[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Ricoh completed its acquisition of IKON Office Solutions, adding a major North American office-technology sales and services platform.
2007
Ricoh announces purchase of IBM Printing Systems Division[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Ricoh announced a transaction involving IBM’s Printing Systems Division and the creation of InfoPrint Solutions Company, expanding its presence in production and enterprise printing.
2001
Ricoh acquires Lanier Worldwide[1]Ricohen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Ricoh completed the acquisition of Lanier Worldwide, strengthening its international office-equipment distribution and service network.

Sources19 sources

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