Komori acquires stake in MBO Group

Komori (Tokyo, Japan) has signed an agreement with the MBO Group (a global manufacturer specializing in post-press equipment based in Oppenweiler, Germany) to acquire a 100% equity stake in MBO with the aim of eventually making it a Komori subsidiary. Since Komori’s founding in 1923, the group has been engaged in the manufacture and sale of state-of-the-art offset printing presses. Although this remains as its core business, the OEM is also currently pushing ahead with transforming its business structure under its sixth medium-term management plan (April 2019 – March 2024) strategy aimed at expanding Komori’s range of products and marketing. In particular, Komori has been focused on developing its Print Engineering Service Provider (PESP) business since 2009. To continue this strategic plan, Komori in recent years has also launched paper cutters, die cutters, blanking machines, pile-turning machines and other post-press equipment that specifically supports package printing. Komcan (Georgetown, Ontario) is the exclusive dealer for Komori presses in Canada, as well as parts and 24/7 service support.
The MBO Group was founded in 1965 to manufacture paper-folding machines, and has operated in this field for more than a half century since then, successfully commanding a considerable market share in Europe, the United States and other locations worldwide  Today, the MBO Group has plants in two locations in Germany (Oppenweiler in southern Germany and Bielefeld in central Germany) as well as in Portugal. It also operates local subsidiaries in the United States, France and China, while maintaining collaboration with a variety of sales partners in countries around the globe. Taking full advantage of these networks, the MBO Group is currently engaged in the marketing of paper-folding machines and after-sales services in more than 60 countries.
Products manufactured by the MBO Group are known for highly precise performance and superior productivity. The group is distinguished by its technological capabilities in multiple fields, including paper-folding for general commercial printing, and inline processing utilizing a combination of paper-folding machines and digital printing systems. Furthermore, Herzog+Heymann, a subsidiary of the MBO Group, has machinery designed to perform a complex folding process that handles thin papers, and requires “specialized technology unmatched by competitors.” In recent years, the MBO Group also launched collaborations with robot makers, resulting in the creation of labour-saving systems as part of the MBO Group’s product lines.
In addition, the MBO Group’s operations don’t overlap with those undertaken by Komori. Through the acquisition of the equity stake in the MBO Group, Komori expects to market unique products that will support its PESP business. Specifically, the inclusion of the aforementioned operations into Komori’s business portfolio will help it introduce post-press solutions for commercial printing, a new field for the company. “Komori believes that both companies are well-positioned to supplement each other. Going forward, Komori will therefore strive to bring together technologies and networks possessed by both companies in the field of post-press equipment marketing. In these ways, Komori will effectively push ahead with its initiatives aimed at transforming its business structure,” the OEM added.