Global Graphics, Hybrid Software to come together in proposed acquisition

Congra is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, develops and sells enterprise software for the graphics arts industry. The operating subsidiaries trade primarily under the name of Hybrid Software, selling technologies such as Cloudflow and Packz. Guido Van der Schueren is the controlling shareholder of Congra and chairman of the board of Hybrid Software. Since May 2014 he has also acted as chairman of Global Graphics.

Van der Schueren commented: ‘Global Graphics has done an excellent job at opening up new markets, notably in industrial inkjet, and has achieved great success over the past five years. Together we have the opportunity to grow further by strengthening our product offerings and leveraging a global sales infrastructure. The acquisition is the logical next step in creating a global business that provides pre-press and printing solutions that will touch many sectors of print and make a real difference to the productivity and profitability of the print shop.’

Global Graphics is headquartered in Cambridge, UK. Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics is a developer of platforms for digital inkjet printing, and type design and development. Its subsidiary companies are: Global Graphics Software, in printing software development; Meteor Inkjet, an industrial printhead driver specialist; and the type foundry URW Type Foundry. Customers for digital inkjet technology include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy. Those for font design include numerous international brands, from manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz and Siemens, to digital media and e-publishing companies.

Global Graphics CEO Gary Fry added: ‘We have enjoyed a strategic partnership with Hybrid Software for a number of years as a technology partner, and in a number of instances have been working together to offer customers a broader spread of software solutions. Furthermore, we have benefitted from the direction and support that Guido has given us during his time as our chairman. I see only positive benefits for our partners, customers and employees.’

The proposed acquisition will shortly be voted on by shareholders.