On the heels of the recently announced Goss/Manroland Web merger set for later this year, as well as the Fujifilm/Xerox deal previously revealed, another major industry acquisition has occurred. Mark Andy, a leader in the label and packaging space, has acquired Presstek, a global supplier of DI (Direct-Imaging) offset plates and presses, CTP solutions and services primarily for commercial and in-plant printers. “With the Presstek acquisition, Mark Andy now serves as one of the only full-complement solutions’ providers to the global graphic arts and print industry,” said the OEM. Presstek’s team of over 60 technical professionals will be integrated within Mark Andy’s service infrastructure, making it “the largest, regionally-staffed service organization in North America.” Certified technicians will support equipment service for brands such as Presstek, ABDick, Ryobi, Heidelberg, Xerox, KBA, Epson and many more.
Both companies added that Mark Andy and Presstek have maintained a strong partnership over the years, with Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) fulfilling all orders in North America for Presstek DI and CTP products. Integrating Presstek’s sales and service teams within MAPP will yield many benefits to Presstek’s existing customers – including improved market coverage, an extensive parts inventory, enhanced service resources, single point of invoicing, and faster response times, they added.
“Presstek has been a force in the small and medium-format offset segment for many years,” said Kevin Wilken, CEO of Mark Andy. “Presstek’s DI plates, equipment and CTP solutions are well-respected throughout the industry, and I’m happy to welcome the Presstek employees and products into the Mark Andy family. We expect Presstek’s customers to benefit from Mark Andy’s stable leadership, tremendous customer service and unmatched product offerings – including MAPP offset print supplies and consumables, and Mark Andy digital print equipment.”
Presstek’s Zahara Waterless Plates Division, which is not being acquired by Mark Andy, will be re-structured into a new company, Verico Technology, headed by former Presstek CEO Yuval Dubois. Verico’s technology will focus on expanding its market share for cut-sheet aluminum waterless plates and coating technologies in the printing industry, as well as venturing into new market segments. “Mark Andy’s acquisition of Presstek is a big win for customers from both organizations,” said Dubois. “We’re pleased for the long-term benefits that this initiative will bring to the market.”
“Today’s print buyers are seeking shorter print runs, faster turnarounds and no compromises in print quality,” said Stuart Gallup, recently appointed Vice President of Offset Business at Mark Andy. “Mark Andy has a strong commitment to its customers, supporting them with the best solutions to guide them in a direction for success. It’s a privilege to now offer the single-point-of-contact customer experience and streamlined processes that our commercial and in-plant customers have previously enjoyed.”
At the leadership level, Gallup will be accompanied by Ian Pollock, Director, Presstek EAMER, and Ralph Jenkins, Director of MAPP Offset Sales in North America. Gallup, Pollock and Jenkins have a wealth of experience in the printing industry, having dedicated their careers to serving offset printers. “We look forward to continuing to work with our valued customers with the goal of increasing their productivity and profitability,” Jenkins added. “Together with the excellent management team at Mark Andy, we’re confident Presstek customers will receive enhanced service.” Pollock also confirmed that EAMER customers of both Presstek and MAPP brands will continue to do business as they do today. “There’ll be no changes in current ordering processes, contact details or distribution logistics. All will remain the same for the EAMER customer base currently transacting with the UK location,” Pollock added.
Mark Andy acquires Presstek in another major industry merger
