Nik Software Inc., San Diego, Calif., USA, reached a worldwide agreement with Nikon Corp., Tokyo, Japan, that enables technological collaboration between the two companies to develop and distribute digital photographic software and imaging technologies.

This agreement builds upon Nik’s existing collaborative relationship with Nikon Corp., which produced and distributed proprietary versions of Nik’s Nik Color Efex Pro plug-ins for use in Nikon Capture software. As part of the agreement, Nikon has made a capital investment in Nik Software Inc. Terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

“This cooperative agreement enables both Nikon and Nik to fulfill their common commitment to continuously develop advanced products and technology for the booming digital photography market,” said Michael J. Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software Inc.

“We look forward to working with Nikon to build a strong digital imaging software business by leveraging both our companies’ proprietary technologies and photo-imaging know-how.”

Nikon and Nik will co-develop software products and distribute those products through Nikon’s worldwide sales channels while Nik Software Inc. will continue to independently develop and support its Nik branded software products to its worldwide customer base.

Established in 1995 by its founder Nils Kokemohr and incorporated in 2001 by its current management, the company, with headquarters in the United States and offices in Germany, has been privately held and privately funded by the company’s executive management since its inception. The investment by Nikon is the first external investment in the company.

Website : Nik Software and Nikon jointly develop and distribute photographic software