KBA (Koenig & Bauer) is backing its packaging printing push with the proposed acquisition of German packaging printing equipment manufacturer, Kammann Machines.
The deal, which sees the world’s second largest offset press manufacturer take an 85 per cent stake in Kammann, follows hot on the heels of KBA’s planned takeover of Italian press manufacturer, Flexotecnica, in February.
Kammann Machines, based in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, claims it is the world’s largest supplier of graphic screen equipment and had provided offset print and converting solutions for over 50 years. Its packaging print products are primarily used for hollow articles such as bottles, optical discs and web materials.
The company also has a substantial service business. In systems for directly decorating glass containers, Kammann is the global market leader. The firm, which has almost no own production facilities, was founded in 1955 and has a total of 175 employees. In 2012 it generated annual sales of over €30m (A$43.3m) and posted a net profit.
The acquisition, which is still subject to some conditions, sees Kammann’s two managing directors continue to hold a 15 per cent stake in the company, while KBA is set to claim the 85 per cent that has, until now, been held by private equity firm, Perusa, in Munich.
According to KBA, the move to take on packaging printing companies such as Kammann with the aim of expanding its footing in the sector is a bid to counteract the shrinking sales volume of web presses for publications heavily affected by the advance of online media.
Although KBA is ranked as the second-largest offset press manufacturer in the world after arch rival, Heidelberg, the company comes first in the packaging sector – which Heidelberg is now also working to push into further as it continues its strategy to return to profit.
Now, with KBA announcing its second packaging print equipment manufacturer acquisition so far this year, it is clear the company is working to maintain its lead in the packaging landscape.
It is not clear at this stage whether KBA’s impending majority stake in Kammann, which is currently distributed locally by Melbourne’s Plastequipment International, will result in distribution in Australia and New Zealand being taken on by KBA Australia.