The Dutch digital press manufacturer made a net loss of €23m (£20.7m) for the quarter, compared to a €1m profit in the previous year. Total revenues during the quarter amounted to €683m, equivalent to a 15% decrease in the same period in 2008.

However, the manufacturer's share of digital colour press sales in its revenues increased to 34% from 28% during the quarter.

Yet its Wide-Format Printing Services division experienced a decline related to the deterioration in the construction and manufacturing market sectors, with revenues coming in at €187m, a decline of 17%.

Van Iperen said: "Our revenues continued to decline in the fourth quarter as customers remained uncertain about the economic situation and sustained their efforts to reduce costs.

"In 2010, we anticipate that the markets will remain challenging. In order to further strengthen our competitive position and drive sales under difficult market conditions, we will continue to introduce innovative products."

At the end of 2009, Océ's proposed acquisition by Canon moved a step closer after the Japanese company won approval from European Union competition regulators.

The Japanese manufacturer has made a €730m (£655m) cash offer for Océ with a view to creating "the number one presence" in the digital market.

Concerning the year ahead, Océ stated that it would remain focused on cost-cutting and balance sheet reduction programmes while working with Canon "to create the best combination in the printing industry".

Oce’s shares continued to trade at Canon’s offer price of €8.60 a share this morning, indicating that the market is anticipating a successful resolution to the deal.