Esko and Artwork Systems join forces to become EskoArtwork

Already effective, the merger is a combination of two leading packaging and prepress companies operating throughout Europe, America and Asia Pacific.

The two companies share complimentary strengths within the packaging and commercial printing markets, and it is hoped that the merger will capitalise on this.

"Starting from a common background with prepress software for packaging specialists, Artwork System and Esko have each developed into broader ... application areas," said Guido Van der Schueren, chief commercial officer.

"Our combined portfolio of products and services offers appropriate solutions for virtually any customer in packaging, commercial printing and office/business publishing. Bringing together our expertise and innovative strength opens up significant growth opportunities for our customers and employees alike."

Current CEO of Esko Graphics, Carsten Knudsen has become the CEO of the combined group. "The combination ... is a significant milestone in the consolidation of suppliers to the printing and publishing industry," he said.

"Our attention now goes first and foremost to protect our respective customers' investments into our solutions, and to work closely with them to respond to their future requirements."