Goss, manroland web systems to combine

The combined company will benefit from the companies’ complementary geographic footprints, create extensive synergies, ensure long-term viability and provide value-oriented options, especially in the area of aftermarket services. In the future, the new entity will be a strong business partner to all international web printers.

The new company will rely on the combined expertise of its employees and will further continue its activities in the fields of web printing systems, services, consumables and system components for the newspaper, commercial, packaging and digital printing markets. In addition to the new machinery and service business, the expansion of the business with retrofits and upgrades, and the systematic expansion of e-commerce activities will be major areas of focus.

Subject to regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed by the middle of 2018. The Contiweb business of Goss International is not included in this transaction and will become an independent company.

Alexander Wasserman, CEO of manroland, said: ‘manroland is on the path for continued success. We want to continue to develop this path by creating synergies, fostering the further development of our R&D activities and strengthening our innovation focus. Our customers will be able to choose from a wider portfolio of products and services.’

Goss CEO Mohit Uberoi said: ‘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 current shareholders of manroland, Possehl Group (Lübeck), and of Goss, American Industrial Partners, will continue to co-own the combined company.

The transaction is expected to be completed by mid-2018.