Heidelberg to take over MBO Group

Print Solutions

Heidelberg is to take over the MBO Group in a bid to further expand its offerings in the growing post press market for digitally printed products. The move will also see the company gain access to new customers in the pharmaceutical industry and add mailing system offerings to its offset portfolio.

This decision highlights the company's strategic focus on 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 planned takeover of the MBO Group enables us to attain further sustainable and profitable growth by leveraging new technologies and customer segments,[ said Rainer Hundsdörfer, CEO of Heidelberg. ‘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 acquisition involves, among other things, taking over the sites in Oppenweiler and Bielefeld, Germany, and the production site in Perifita, Portugal, which employ a total of approximately 450 staff. Besides the German sites, the efficiently structured site in Portugal opens up particularly interesting opportunities for the entire Heidelberg Group.

‘Even when post press operations are running efficiently, there is still huge potential for boosting productivity throughout the entire print shop,’ said Stephan Plenz, member of the management board responsible for digital technology. ‘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.’

The MBO brand is well established and its technology complements the Heidelberg product range well. Continuing to expand offerings together will optimise the portfolio and supply chain, while leveraging the MBO dealer and service network will also result in mutual benefits. Overall, the acquisition is set to create a better basis for unlocking shared potential for future focused developments that are geared toward market demands.

Subject to the agreement of the antitrust authorities, the takeover is due to be completed provisionally by the end of 2018.