Based in Hampshire, UK, Edale engineers and manufactures printing and converting solutions for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed die-cutters, and finishing and converting equipment.

Canon said it plans to intensify its long-term strategy to provide turn-key solutions for the label and packaging sectors. The acquisition will enable Canon Production Printing to further develop its LabelStream 4000 product line, as well as provide expertise and technology for future products.

Mick Asada, CEO, Canon Production Printing, said, “Edale has been a supplier of the web transport, conventional printing and embellishment modules for our LabelStream 4000 series since 2018. Through this close collaboration, we have a very high regard for the Edale team’s capabilities and specialist expertise in printing and converting for the label and packaging industry. We’re excited by the enormous potential that will come from far closer co-operation, and confident that this will help to realise Canon’s ambition to become a major force for digital innovation in the packaging arena.”

Edale owner and chairman Grahame Barker said, “We’ve experienced a period of exciting growth, and I believe that the support of a strong global player is vital to enable us to continue that trajectory in the future, so I’m delighted that Canon will be that partner for the next stage of Edale’s development. We’re confident that the combined force of Edale and Canon will deliver tangible advantages for both companies’ customers.”

Edale, continuing to trade under the Edale brand, will remain an independently managed company, pursuing its established strategy to provide printing and finishing solutions, focused on the label, folding carton and flexible packaging segments.

Barker will retire and the business will be led by the existing Edale management team under managing director James Boughton, reporting into Canon Production Printing through Walter Vogelsberger, VP, digital packaging printing.

Represented by Printers Supply Co in India, post-acquisition by Canon, Edale will continue to be represented by the Kolkata-based print equipment and consumables supplier.