Agfa-Gevaert to acquire UK wide-format manufacturer: Inca Digital Printers

This week, the Agfa-Gevaert Group announced that it would acquire Inca Digital Printers, subject to a meeting and obtaining customary conditions and approvals. The acquisition strengthens Agfa’s position in high-speed digital printing and brings an additional focus on packaging printing markets.

“The Inca acquisition is a major step in Agfa’s transformation. Digital printing is a profitable growth engine for the Group with tremendous potential that will be further accelerated by the addition of Inca,” said Pascal Juéry, President and CEO of the Agfa-Gevaert Group.

Inca Digital Printers is a Cambridge, UK based, leading developer and manufacturer of advanced high-speed printing and production technologies for sign and display applications and the rapidly growing digital printing market for packaging. Inca brings to Agfa a complementary portfolio of printing solutions of the highest standard and a strong technological platform to launch robust single-pass printing presses for the packaging market.

The acquisition encompasses the portfolio of existing high-speed multi-pass printers, including a strong service organisation, a newly designed line of single-pass printers for several packaging applications and a joint development of a  customised in-line Print Engine in collaboration with leading corrugator manufacturer BHS Corrugated.

Stephen Tunnicliffe-Wilson, CEO/CTO of Inca Digital Printers Ltd., said, “The acquisition by Agfa allows us to combine our technological know-how and will enable us to become a leading digital packaging press manufacturer worldwide. Our new parent has shown long term commitment to the digital printing market, and we are extremely proud and look forward to becoming part of the Agfa family.”

Vincent Wille, President of Agfa’s Digital Print & Chemicals division, concluded, “The combination of Inca Digital’s manufacturing know-how and Agfa’s technical expertise, worldwide presence and excellent service networks will allow us to bring unparalleled printing solutions to our customers and to adapt seamlessly to their needs in this rapidly evolving space. This investment leverages and strengthens our position in the high-end and high-speed wide-format market as a whole and specifically in the promising packaging segment.”