MAN Roland independence hailed by Jonathan Clark
The plan is for financiers, Allianz Capital Partners, to take 65 per cent ownership straight away and pour finance into MAN Roland’s development over the next years before the company follows Heidelberg’s path to public ownership. MAN AG will retain 35 per cent of the company.
Members of the joint venture have foreshadowed their belief in imminent industry consolidation and make no secret of their intentions to buy other businesses in order to grow the company.
“It’s fantastic news for MAN Roland. It’s an absolute good thing for the company and for customers,” said Jonathan Clark, managing director of IPP Print& Pack, the MAN Roland agent in Australia and New Zealand (pictured). “When you consider the number of options a company such as Allianz has to invest, it means MAN Roland is regarded as the pick of the crop. A colleague of mine in the USA described it as… ‘being invited to dance by the best-looking girl in town.’”
This opinion reflects that of Gerd Finkbeiner, CEO of MAN Roland who said, “This step means a new era for MAN Roland. It will strengthen our position as an independent global solution-provider and increase our options. The company and its employees will gain a long-term perspective as well.
“Continuity in the management, corporate structure and MAN Roland brand names will ensure that the company retains its credibility and reliability for customers and employees. This will now be complemented by even greater flexibility and more rigorous decision-making processes.”
Thomas Pütter, CEO of Allianz Capital Partners said, “With its strong position in the market and excellent product know-how, MAN Roland Druckmaschinen has a very good starting point to continue growing and play a decisive role in the imminent consolidation of the industry. And we want to support the company in this important phase of its development.”
“It’s fantastic news for MAN Roland. It’s an absolute good thing for the company and for customers,” said Jonathan Clark, managing director of IPP Print& Pack, the MAN Roland agent in Australia and New Zealand (pictured). “When you consider the number of options a company such as Allianz has to invest, it means MAN Roland is regarded as the pick of the crop. A colleague of mine in the USA described it as… ‘being invited to dance by the best-looking girl in town.’”