Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) and Thomson Multimedia (NYSE:TMS), a leading provider of multimedia technologies and marketer of RCA brand products, today announced a marketing and distribution alliance to produce a co-branded line of computer accessories for today's connected home. Amid the current rise in computer peripheral use by consumers, HP and Thomson are responding by providing products -- from home networking kits to computer mice -- to aid hardware connectivity and longevity.

Building on HP's strength as a leader in computing solutions, Thomson will expand its product line into computer accessories to become a true multimedia company. HP will leverage Thomson's industry leadership position and expertise in consumer electronics marketing to deliver additional value to customers.

"Dynamics in the home are creating a convergence of computing and consumer electronics," said Tom Anderson, worldwide marketing manager, HP Home Products Division. "HP already offers the personal digital solutions that enhance today's digital lifestyle. With our Thomson alliance, we can now offer accessories that enhance and extend these solutions."

"This global agreement will soon lead to a complete line of regionally branded computer accessories available worldwide to consumers. Our distribution strength matched with the benefits of the HP name in the computer market will bring the consumer a wide variety of affordable, innovative accessories that will expand the functionality and entertainment value of the home computer," said Jack Nick, Accessory Business Vice President for Thomson Multimedia.

The initial offering consists of 18 products, including the HP and RCA Systemlink home networking kit -- a powerline system that enables home PC networking using existing electrical wires and outlets, thus eliminating the need to run new wiring. Other products include a wireless modem jack, surge protectors, USB switches and hubs, connecting cables and computer mice.

The phased product rollout is expected to begin in North America in June and to expand to international regions throughout the year.

With sales of 9.1 billion Euros (U.S. $8.3 billion) in 2000 and 73,000 employees in more than 30 countries, Thomson Multimedia (Paris Sicovam:18453) (NYSE:TMS) provides a wide range of technologies, systems, finished products and services to consumers and professionals of the entertainment and media industries. To advance and enable the digital media transition, Thomson Multimedia has five principal activities: Digital Media Solutions, Displays and Components, Consumer Products, New Media Services, and Patents and Licensing. The company distributes its products under the popular THOMSON, RCA and TECHNICOLOR brand names. For more information: www.thomson-multimedia.com.

    About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and solutions for an Internet infrastructure that's always on.

HP had total revenue from continuing operations of $48.8 billion in its 2000 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new products, services, or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above include the ability of HP to retain and motivate key employees; the timely development, production and acceptance of products and services and their feature sets; the challenge of managing asset levels, including inventory; the flow of products into third-party distribution channels; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Oct. 31, 2000, and subsequently filed reports. HP does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding prospects for the future that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual income to differ materially from those expected are the following: business conditions and general economic conditions; competitive factors such as pricing and marketing efforts of rival companies; timing of product introductions; ability of contract manufacturers to meet product price objectives and delivery schedules; legislative, regulatory, and industry initiatives that may affect planned or actual product features and marketing methods; and the pace and success of product research and development. For more information on the potential factors that could affect Thomson Multimedia's financial income, please review the relevant SEC filings.