MBO, which was up for sale, manufactures book-binding and post-press equipment for printing packaging and labelling sectors and its customers include the pharmaceutical industry and major marketing companies. The rival manufacturer’s acquisition will enable Heidelberg to gain access to new customers in the pharmaceutical industry and add mailing system offerings to its offset 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.”

MBO’s operations account for a sales volume of around € 50 million and among other things will see Heidelberg take over the sites in Oppenweiler and Bielefeld, Germany, and the production site in Perifita, Portugal, which employ a total of approximately 450 staff.

“Even when post-press operations are running efficiently, there is still huge potential for boosting productivity throughout the entire print shop,” claimed 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.”

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