Xeikon buys back operation from UK distributor

Openshaw Ltd and Xeikon GB have entered into an agreement in principle for Xeikon to purchase the UK Xeikon service business from Openshaw. This involves the sale of maintenance contracts, spare parts, consumables and the transfer of engineering staff.

Openshaw has advised staff of the sale, which is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
Tony Halker, group managing director of Openshaw, said, ‘while our distribution agreement with Xeikon had more than three years to run we believe that with Xeikon GB now servicing direct that there is some market confusion and this sale removes that at one go. Openshaw built a very large and profitable Xeikon installed base in the UK. We intend to focus our experience in this area on other digital printing products and are pleased to have made the sale. We believe this ensures a strong Xeikon service organisation prospers in the UK for the benefit of our customers.’

Wim Deblauwe, chief financial officer of Xeikon Bv, said, ‘Openshaw have built an excellent installed base that is well serviced and supported. We are pleased to have reached agreement for this purchase and look forward to completing in the near future.’