Flint Group has today announced the acquisition of Xeikon*, a leading digital solutions provider to the packaging and commercial printing markets. Headquartered in Eede in the Netherlands, with operations in Lier, Ieper and Heultje (Belgium), Xeikon, designs, develops and delivers high-end digital colour 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 division to be called Flint Group Digital Printing Solutions. 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 organisation 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,” says Antoine Fady, CEO Flint Group. “Xeikon have 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.”

Mr. Fady continues; “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, who will become President of Flint Group’s Digital Printing Solutions division, reporting to Antoine Fady, says; “We are very pleased to be joining Flint Group’s global organisation and excited by the opportunities this acquisition presents to accelerate business growth. 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.”

Mr. Maes continues ; “Flint Group has developed strong relationships with many leading global organisations 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.

ABOUT FLINT GROUP

Flint Group is dedicated to serving the global printing and packaging industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications; pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing; photopolymer printing plates and sleeves, plate-making equipment and flexographic sleeve systems; pigments and additives for use in inks and other colourant applications. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs some 6800 people. Revenues for 2014 were € 2.1 billion (US $2.8 billion). On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves.