Heidelberg softens up with MIS buyout

Heidelberg moves further into MIS with the acquisition of Belgian software specialist, CERM.

Heidelberg plans to launch and sell CERM’s existing portfolio of management information system for commercial and label printing worldwide and to integrate it into the Prinect production workflow. Management information systems are used to manage all the commercial processes of a print shop.

The purchase marks the second major development for the German offset giant after recently announcing a digital partnership with Ricoh earlier this year which will see Heidelberg sell Ricoh's latest color digital press, the Ricoh ProTM C901 Graphic Arts Edition - Ricoh`s high speed color digital press with Ricoh PxPTM Chemical toner, as well as appropriate future production printing offerings in Ricoh's pipeline.

According to Marcel Kiessling, member of the Heidelberg Services management board, developing its MIS offering to the marketplace is a natural progression. “By acquiring CERM, a well-known software specialist in Western Europe, Heidelberg is expanding its portfolio of management information systems,” he said.

“We aim to present a fully integrated MIS solution with central data management in combination with our Prinect print shop workflow at drupa 2012 and start the worldwide roll-out step by step.”

Former owner and now managing director of CERM, Tom Musschoot, said that the company would continue to serve all its existing customers. “As part of Heidelberg, we will be able to extend our business to a truly global level,” he added.