SATO America, Inc., a global leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire TrakIT Systems, Inc., a privately held corporation based in Nashville , Tennessee . TrakIT is a leading global provider of end-to-end Automatic Identification Software and Integration Services with a customer portfolio that includes Tier 1 Fortune 500 companies that utilize barcode and RFID integration solutions and hardware, RFID reader portals, and warehouse management systems (WMS).

The acquisition of TrakIT Systems, now known as SATO's Integration Solutions Division (ISD), provides new opportunities for SATO America's DCS and Labeling solutions with new, key customers at various stages of deployment of RFID and enterprise resource planning (ERP) warehouse management software systems.

The acquisition creates a collaborative platform to deploy end-to-end solutions combining automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) technologies that integrate with enterprise, warehouse, medical, and supply chain applications. TrakIT Systems will merge its software and hardware applications with SATO's worldwide operations to support the joint development of new products that will impact multiple industries. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

According to Mike Beedles, founder and CEO of TrakIT Systems, Inc. and newly appointed Director of Integration Services and Development at SATO America, "The SATO acquisition provides our new customers with greater reach and stability, which is particularly important to the Fortune 500 customers. SATO is a stable, long-standing provider of AIDC and labeling solutions worldwide, and an organization that has seen tremendous growth over recent years."

Bob Linse, president of SATO America, Inc. said, "The acquisition allows us to quickly introduce a proven integration infrastructure and a vast set of solutions that utilize the latest technologies and our unparalleled experience and innovation to further our growth into new markets and applications that widen the footprint of SATO's market worldwide."

"It enables us to perform custom, needs-based, software development and systems integration through a worldwide leading manufacturer of AIDC equipment," added Mike Beedles. "Our ability to modify or change our hardware, software, and consumable product for each customer separates us from the traditional cookie-cutter environment that limited customers to only what was available."

SATO and TrakIT have been successfully testing this model over the past two years in various applications. "Our customers like the new approach and are willing to invest in the systems and equipment that meet their needs, but not for functionality or features that do not apply to their business," added Mike Beedles.

Recently, SATO and TrakIT launched i-TRAK, a new hybrid (RFID and barcode) tracking and tracing software package for installation in one of the world's largest over-the-road (OTR) truck manufacturers. It provided a complete, in-house turnkey solution, which is now being used by this customer's suppliers, who are also taking advantage of the real-time visibility across their supply chains.

SATO America currently has over 50 new RFID deployments around the US and Canada this year, making it one of the largest barcode and RFID integrators in the world.

"Expanding the integration resources of SATO America and our ability to provide whole, turnkey solutions that win business obviously benefits and enhances the benefits available to our network of highly valued VARs, too," concluded Bob Linse .

About TrakIT Systems, Inc.

TrakIT Systems provides supply chain management expertise in software development, deployment and integrated RFID solutions in the Manufacturing, Logistics, Retail, Pharmaceutical, Food, Horticulture, Transportation and Healthcare industries. The company is a leading developer in RFID tag design, and engineering.

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 revolutionized the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) & Labeling concept - a total barcode and labeling 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, 2007, it reported revenues of US$705 million.

For more information about SATO America, visit www.satoamerica.com.