Agfa has announced a deal to acquire Inca Digital Printers, subject to obtaining customary conditions and approvals.
The company says the acquisition strengthens its position in high speed digital printing. In addition, it will bring an additional focus on packaging printing markets.
Pascal Juéry, president and chief executive at Agfa, says, “The Inca acquisition is a major step in Agfa’s transformation. Digital printing is a profitable growth engine for Agfa. It has a tremendous potential that will be further accelerated by the addition of Inca.”
Based in the UK, Inca develops and manufactures advanced high speed printing and production technologies for sign and display applications. It has also moved into the rapidly growing digital printing market for packaging. Inca is an ideal partner for Agfa, bringing a complementary portfolio of printing solutions of the highest standard and a strong technological platform to launch robust single pass printing presses for the packaging market.
Stephen Tunnicliffe-Wilson, chief executive at Inca, says, “The acquisition allows us to combine our technological knowhow with Agfa. Also, it will enable us to become a leading digital packaging press manufacturer worldwide. Our new parent has shown long term commitment to the digital printing market, so we are extremely proud and look forward to becoming part of the Agfa family.”
Inca’s portfolio
The acquisition encompasses the portfolio of existing high speed multi pass printers. It includes a strong service organisation; a newly designed line of single pass printers for several packaging applications; and a joint development of a customised inline print engine in collaboration with corrugator manufacturer BHS Corrugated.
Vincent Wille, president of Agfa’s Digital Print and Chemicals division, says, “The combination of Inca Digital’s manufacturing knowhow and Agfa’s technical expertise, worldwide presence and excellent service networks will allow us to bring unparalleled printing solutions to our customers and to adapt seamlessly to their needs in this rapidly evolving space. The deal to acquire Inca Digital Printers leverages and strengthens our position in the high-end and high speed wide format market as a whole and specifically in the promising packaging segment.”
