Goss International and Manroland Web Systems, which both make web offset presses, are to merge. ContiWeb, which is owned by Goss, will be spun off as a separate business.
Both Goss and Manroland Web have sent out press releases explaining that this deal will allow their growing businesses to continue to expand. But the reality is that they have opted to deal with a shrinking market by combining rather than competing. And actually this does make a lot of sense and is probably the best outcome for all involved.
Alexander Wasserman, CEO of Manroland Web, pointed out that customers would benefit from a wider choice of products and services, while Mohit Uberoi, CEO of Goss explained: “This combination will enable us to achieve extensive synergies that will help us optimally serve our customers into the future. The combination will strive to provide a best-in-class product offering and customer service.”
The two companies are a good fit in that they have each focussed on different geographic regions so between them should be able to offer a wide service and parts network. They have said that they will look to expand by offering retrofits and upgrades, and the systematic expansion of e-commerce activities, as well as selling new presses and service contracts.
The owners of the two companies – American Industrial Partners in the case of Goss, and Possehi Group for Manroland Web – will continue to own the new combined company. The deal should be completed by the middle of this year and shouldn’t have any affect on the current business of either company.
Meanwhile, Contiweb, which provides advanced drying and web-handling products for printing will become a separate company, albeit still owned by American Industrial Partners. The company will maintain its base in Boxmeer, Netherlands.
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