Flint Group Acquires Xeikon, Creates New Digital Division

Flint Group has announced the acquisition of Xeikon*, a digital solutions provider to the packaging and commercial printing markets. Headquartered in Eede, the Netherlands, with operations in Lier, Ieper and Heultje, Belgium, Xeikon, designs, develops and delivers high-end digital color presses and consumables for the global commercial, document, label and packaging market segments, distributing its solutions through a worldwide sales and service network.

Xeikon’s pioneering products and services will be the foundation of a newly created Flint Group Digital Printing Solutions Division. This new division of Flint Group will further broaden the group’s conventional and digital printing solutions, offering a unique proposition of equipment, consumables and services across its global markets.

“This acquisition represents an excellent opportunity for Flint Group, propelling the organization further into the digital solutions market, where we will continue to deliver on our long term strategy of driving growth through product innovation, focus on developing markets and portfolio expansion,” Antoine Fady, CEO of Flint Group said. “Xeikon [has] a proven history of delivering exceptional value through high-quality, high-productivity, innovative and sustainable solutions for their customers, which fits seamlessly with our own long-term vision for our business. I am also delighted to welcome the customers and employees of Xeikon to Flint Group and look forward to supporting them and building on their continued success.”

Wim Maes, CEO of Xeikon, will become president of Flint Group’s Digital Printing Solutions division, reporting to Fady.

Wim Maes

“We are very pleased to be joining Flint Group’s global organization and excited by the opportunities this acquisition presents to accelerate business growth," Maes said. "Xeikon has shown that dedication to the digital label, folding carton, commercial and document printing market segments has paid off in terms of market share, customer satisfaction and financial contribution. This next chapter in our more than 20-year existence opens many opportunities for Xeikon as a company, as well as for our customers, employees, partners and stakeholders. Flint Group has developed strong relationships with many leading global organizations within the graphic arts and packaging markets. Our shared goal of delivering exceptional value, unparalleled service, consistent quality and continuous innovation is only enhanced by Flint Group’s reputation, knowledge, infrastructure and support.”

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the competition authorities, and should be completed by end of 2015.

* Flint Group has entered into an agreement to purchase XBC B.V., a company that holds more than 95% of the shares in Xeikon N.V.

Source: Flint Group.