Ricoh has reached an agreement to buy software provider ColorGate Digital Output Solutions. The acquisition is designed to strengthen Ricoh’s industrial printing business. Co-founder Thomas
Kirschner will continue to serve as CEO of the Hannover-based business.
Founded in 1997, ColorGate provides software for the wide format and industrial printing sectors. Its colour management technology support printing and decorating of a variety of materials used for
packaging, flooring and wall coverings, as well as textiles and signage.
In February this year, Ricoh announced a growth strategy plan, entitled ‘RICOH Ignite’, and the investment in ColorGate is the latest part of this initiative, which aims to reinforce its offering by expanding its printing technology portfolio.
Peter Williams, corporate vice president and general manager of commercial and industrial printing business group, Ricoh, commented, ‘By combining ColorGate’s proprietary software technology with our own industrial printers, Ricoh will provide solutions covering the whole printing workflow from pre-press to post-press. This acquisition will enable ColorGate to expand its industrial printing business and global presence as together we become better able to support our customers to accelerate their transition from analogue to digital based production.’
