With the takeover of Italian printing press manufacturer Flexotecnica, KBA aims to expand its portfolio into the growing market for flexible packaging. Along with gravure, the CIC flexo presses offered by Flexotecnica are very popular in this field. The new variable-format Varius 80 web offset press from KBA-MePrint unveiled at Drupa 2012 also targets this growth market for shorter runs in particular
With approx. 100 employees Flexotecnica builds and merchandises central-cylinder flexo presses for printing on various flexible packaging materials. So far the Italian company is mainly present in Europe and in some overseas markets. The manufacturing of parts has been completely outsourced.
KBA views this planned takeover as an opportunity to expand its strong market position in the folding carton market into a further growing packaging segment by using its own international organisation. The price for the majority stake in the Italian company will be in the high single-digit million euros, following adjustments on the basis of agreed items made on the settlement date. The acquisition has already been approved by the KBA supervisory board. The final takeover by KBA is still subject to conditions which have to be met in the next few months, e.g. review by antitrust authorities. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any further details concerning the takeover at this time.