Durst eyes North America growth with Vanguard acquisition

Digital print and production technologies provider Durst Group has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in US-based printing systems manufacturer Vanguard Digital, in a move it said will support its expansion plans in North America.

Vanguard Digital primarily focuses on print systems for the signage, decoration, corporate, industrial and packaging sectors, with Durst saying the acquisition will add a new printer classes to its portfolio of large-format solutions.
 
Durst also said the deal will mean that Vanguard will now benefit from a global distribution and service network, as well as technical resources to support its future development of pint solutions.
 
Speaking to FESPA.com about the new acquisition, Tim Saur, president of Durst North America, said that the US and wider North America market represents an important share of Durst’s graphics and packaging business, and the deal will help to support its operations in the region.
 
“The acquisition will allow us to expand our offering and customer base to both Durst and Vanguard customers, as well as to leverage the Durst distribution and service network worldwide.
 
“The deal will also mean that we will be able to fortify our position as a leading provider in the North American graphics market, as well as extend our portfolio, later on, on a worldwide basis.”
 
As part of the agreement, the new company will operate as Vanguard Durst Digital Printing Systems with immediate effect. David Cich will continue as chief executive of Vanguard, while Jim Peterson will remain as vice president of sales.
 
Reflecting on the acquisition deal, Cich said: “It is with great humbleness and excitement that Vanguard Digital will now be a part of the world class industry leading Durst Group.
 
“Becoming part of the Durst Group family provides Vanguard Digital the opportunity to expand its portfolio of innovative market leading UV Printers to the entire world.”
 
In terms of future growth and expansion, Saur hinted to FESPA.com that Durst could look to pursue other acquisition deals in the near future to support its ongoing expansion plans, but stopped short of revealing any other deals at this time.
 
“There isn’t anything that we are able to disclose now, but we are always looking for opportunities to grow our business,” Saur said.
 
Durst Group chief executive Christoph Gamper added: “Despite the global pandemic, we are positioning ourselves for the long term and are determined to invest in the large-format graphics market.
 
“In addition, with our technical expertise, Vanguard will continue to ensure that its products and services are industry-leading and a wider customer base will understand what it is like to be part of the Durst family.”