Tokyo--ORIX Corporation, a leading integrated financial services group, announced today that it has reached an agreement with JCB Co., Ltd., to make a capital tie-up and exchange employees with the aim of promoting cooperation between both companies.

ORIX plans to purchase about 5% of the outstanding shares of JCB from existing shareholders in the near future making it the fifth largest shareholder (and largest non-bank shareholder of JCB). In addition, ORIX also plans to send general manager level staff to JCB in August 2006 to promote employee exchange.

In August 2005, ORIX and JCB concluded a comprehensive business tie-up with the aim of expanding and strengthening business and improving customer services and up until now they have promoted business tie-ups and examined the possibilities for further tie-ups in each business field. As a result, they have come to the conclusion that there are more possibilities for business cooperation than was first expected.

ORIX and JCB are looking to further deepen our relationship through this agreement and they will look to create a new business model and develop services that mutually leverage each of our strengths.