Australia’s Labelmakers Group has agreed to acquire Melbourne-based label printing company Rapid Labels.
Rapid Labels is a supplier and printer of self-adhesive label products, focused on the FMCG, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical segments. Rapid runs a suite of digital printing equipment, including the only Gallus Labelfire in Australia, which was also one of the first installed globally. This complements Labelmakers’ digital footprint, including HP Indigo toner-based digital printing technology.
The acquisition represents the biggest in the history of Labelmakers and is aimed at cementing its position as the ‘largest industry leader’ across Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, Rapid is seen as a ‘highly complementary’ acquisition to Labelmakers’ operations in Victoria.
This acquisition also enables Labelmakers to move heavily into nutraceuticals with a full suite of options spanning labels and folding cartons. Furthermore, it will expand Labelmakers’ print technologies with UV inkjet digital, as well as a product offering now including database integrated variable data management and multiple counterfeit technologies.
The entire Rapid team will transfer to Labelmakers once the acquisition is implemented during April 2021. This will see David Power continue as general manager of the business and serve as the key point of contact for all things Rapid, continuing to manage its tier one service model. Fellow Rapid Labels director Sean Kennon is to retire.
