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.”
Topics
Interested in joining our community?
Enquire today about joining your local FESPA Association or FESPA Direct
Recent news
Personalisation with Neil Reynolds from Sky Sport
FESPA's Personalisation Experience Ambassador, Richard Askam speaks to Neil Reynolds, NFL Presenter at Sky Sports about all things personalisation.
FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo to return in Berlin, Germany in May 2025
FESPA has today announced that its flagship annual FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo events will return to Messe Berlin, Germany, from Tuesday 6 – Friday 9 May 2025, covering screen, digital and textile printing, signage and visual communications. Confirmed features include Personalise Make Wear, World Wrap Masters, Club FESPA and the return of the bi-annual FESPA Awards.
New technologies and materials rewire and remap the silk road
Debbie McKeegan speaks to Thomas Poetz about the changes within the textile sector in the last 30 years. Thomas shares his insights and discusses the latest innovations in textile fibres.
FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience 2024 - Day 1 Highlights
It is the first day at the FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalised Experience 2024, Europe's leading printing and signage exhibitions. Taking place at the RAI, Amsterdam in the Netherlands from 19th - 22nd March.