Label press manufacturer Mark Andy will acquire Presstek, the global supplier of DI (direct imaging) offset plates and presses and CTP systems.
Kevin Wilken, chief executive of Mark Andy, says, “Presstek has been a force in the small and medium format offset segment for many years. Presstek’s DI plates and equipment and CTP solutions are well-respected throughout the industry, and I am happy to welcome the Presstek employees and products into the Mark Andy family.
“We expect Presstek’s customers to benefit from Mark Andy’s stable leadership, customer service and product offerings, including MAPP offset print supplies and consumables and Mark Andy digital print equipment.”
Presstek made its name as an innovative company, with the B2 75 DI direct imaging press, although it never really took off in the way the company had hoped. It also developed a daylight operating chemistry free CTP system. Since 2012 the company has been owned by US private equity business AIP.
Mark Andy manufactures a range of analogue and digital label presses, including the Digital Series and the Digital One printers.
Stuart Gallup, appointed as vice president, Offset Business, Mark Andy says, “Today’s print buyers are seeking shorter print runs, faster turnaround and no compromises in print quality. Mark Andy has a strong commitment to its customers, supporting them with the best solutions to guide them in a direction for success. It is a privilege to now offer the single point of contact customer experience and streamlined processes that our commercial and in-plant customers have previously enjoyed.”
Mark Andy will not acquire Presstek’s Zahara waterless plates division, which will move into a new company, Verico Technology, headed by former Presstek chief executive Yuval Dubois. Verico Technology will focus on expanding its market share for cut sheet aluminum waterless plates and coating technologies in the printing industry as well as venturing into new market segments. Dubois says, “Mark Andy’s acquisition of Presstek is a big win for customers from both organisations. We are pleased for the long-term benefits that this initiative will bring to the market.”
