Heidelberg expands with MBO purchase

Heidelberg has acquired MBO Group, giving the German press giant access to new customers in the pharmaceutical industry and adding mailing system offerings to its offset portfolio.
 
The purchase will also enable Heidelberg to further expand its offerings in the growing market of postpress operations for digitally printed products.
 
Richard Timson, managing director, Heidelberg Australia and New Zealand, says, “It is a good thing for Australian and New Zealand customers. The takeover gives them more security in the future across spare parts, service works, and maintenance.
 
“It also expands our portfolio, with other products we may not have at the moment. It is inevitable that smaller companies move over and get acquired by larger companies in this market. It is good for the industry that Heidelberg has purchased the MBO.”
 
This decision highlights the company’s strategic focus on consistently aligning its portfolio and new business model with the growth segments of digital and packaging. Furthermore, Heidelberg aims to use this extended offering to tap into new customer groups for its entire product portfolio.
 
The MBO brand will continue to exist after the takeover. Jointly with Heidelberg, the company will look to expand its product offering for the growing market of digital print finishing. Thomas Heininger, chief executive for MBO Group, says, “This transaction is a major strategic move for MBO Group to continue driving the process of digitalisation and to further develop our digital print finishing product range.”
 
Speaking on behalf of the Binder family as owners of MBO Group, Renate Binder, says, “Heidelberg is a strong partner for us. Together, we will be able to pave the way for a successful future.”
 
Rainer Hundsdörfer, chief executive at Heidelberg, says, “The planned takeover of the MBO Group enables us to attain further sustainable and profitable growth by leveraging new technologies and customer segments.
 
“By acquiring MBO’s digital portfolio, we are closing a gap for our customers and helping them achieve a smooth industrial process in the digital future. We also expect to see synergies in our own value added chain, which will bring about tangible benefits for customers, too.”
 
The acquired operations account for a sales volume of around €50m ($88.5m). The acquisition involves, among other things, taking over the sites in Oppenweiler and Bielefeld, Germany, and the production site in Perifita, Portugal, which employ around 450 staff. Besides the German sites, the site in Portugal opens up other opportunities for the entire Heidelberg Group.
 
Stephan Plenz, member of the management board for digital technology at Heidelberg, says, “Even when postpress operations are running efficiently, there is still huge potential for boosting productivity throughout the entire print shop.
 
“The takeover is another important step in offering our customers a comprehensive portfolio that generates value and covers everything from technology and consumables right through to service.”