Magnadata acquires Norprint

Magnetic and smartcard manufacturer Magnadata has acquired the trade and assets of Norprint Labelling Systems.

Norprint has traded successfully in recent years, particularly with the development of RFID security labeling products. Magnadata, headed by former Norprint employee Roy Colclough, was looking to expand further into the RFID market and acquired the company last week.

Norprint, with more than 150 years of experience, is one of Europe's largest independent labeling systems companies, supplying labels, tags and tickets, systems, software and services to more than 3,000 companies throughout UK and Europe. It will continue to trade from Boston, Lincolnshire, as Norprint Ltd.

Magnadata develops magnetic coating technology and supplies clients in a variety of markets including transit, logistics and leisure, such as London Underground, New York Metro, Sydney Rail Authority, Royal Mail, TNT, Manchester City Football Club and The Ryder Cup.

The company said in a statement: ‘The Norprint acquisition is the latest stage in the company’s strategy to develop Magnadata into one of the lead players in RFID technology. The strategy was first announced in 2000 as part of an investment package supported by city bankers Close Brothers Growth Capital. More recently a further 1.5 million investment has been made in R&D and a new RFID production line installed. In partnership with Thales in France and Philips in the Netherlands, Magnadata recently announced it had secured the world’s largest contract for “limited use” Smartcards in Oslo.’

Roy Colclough, group managing director, explained: ‘The acquisition of Norprint creates a stronger business; the wider product diversity will enhance our ability to grow and develop into exciting new markets.

‘From a personal point of view and the view of my board colleagues, the opportunity to bring together the knowledge, skills and expertise of all the Magnadata and Norprint employees was simply irresistible. I strongly believe the real value in any company depends on the quality of its workforce and there is no question that this enlarged group has some of the best people in the business.

‘Everyone connected with the company at our sites in the USA, Australia, France and the UK is looking forward to building a strong future together.’