Durst and Koenig & Bauer sign JV for digital packaging printing systems
Durst, the manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, and Koenig & Bauer, the world’s second-largest printing press manufacturer, signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement in Munich on 10 April to develop and market single-pass digital printing systems for the folding carton and corrugated fibreboard industry. The antitrust clearance to establish the new Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH is expected to be granted in the next few weeks. Business operations should then commence by the end of May and a managing director will be appointed.
12 Apr 2019 | 3324 Views | By Rahul Kumar
Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH will have its registered office in Würzburg and cooperate closely with both parent companies’ global network. Initially, the joint venture portfolio will comprise the Koenig & Bauer CorruJET 170 and the Durst SPC 130, including all associated services and the ink business, as well as the development of the VariJET 106.
“It was a short path from letter of intent to official signature because the negotiations had already been conducted in a spirit of genuine cooperation,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO of the Durst Group. “We want to work efficiently and purposefully towards a common goal — tapping the huge potential that digital production lines offer for the packaging industry.”
“Koenig & Bauer Durst will combine different key technology areas and market expertise to perfect effect,” said Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG. “I am convinced that the joint venture will benefit from the spirit embodied by both companies and that something really special is emerging here. The packaging industry is looking for new, more efficient production opportunities and Koenig & Bauer Durst will supply the necessary digital solution.