Gallus acquires BHS

The Gallus Group, provider of narrow-web reel-fed printing machines, has acquired a 30 per cent stake in BHS Druck- und Veredelungstechnik GmbH. This move is intended to accelerate the expansion of the folding carton business by providing reel-fed printing machines for the economical inline manufacture of folding cartons. Currently the Gallus Group is focusing principally on label printers.

BHS Druck- und Veredelungstechnik (BHS) has been developing and producing high-quality reel-fed printing and converting machines as well as die-cutters for the packaging industry, more specifically for the market segments liquid packaging, folding cartons and flexible packaging. The company has a turnover of 28 million euros and employs 120 people. BHS is among the frontrunners of infinitely variable drive systems in reel-fed printing machines and flat-bed die-cutters for inline solutions.

This move will enable Gallus to supplement its existing product program and to expand the range in folding carton business with mid/wide-web machines. At the same time, the participation will allow Gallus access to high-quality die-cutting technology for the folding carton market. Within the Gallus Group the folding carton business will be integrated in an autonomous business unit. This sector will supplement the Heidelberg folding carton range in sheetfed offset printing including postpress solutions.

The takeover of the BHS shares will go ahead subject to approval from anti-trust authorities. It was agreed not to release any further details on the conditions of the transaction.

Since 1999 the Gallus Group and Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG have worked under a cooperation agreement.