A press release dated 20 December 2018 from manroland Goss states that manroland Goss web systems Group (MGWS) and GWS Printing Systems (GWS) of the Netherlands announce the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement covering MGWS’s acquisition of the Dutch specialist in used web offset equipment.
The transaction has been completed as of 20 December 2019. Current owners Eric van Kessel and Walter Donkers will continue as managers of the GWS business. With the acquisition of GWS and DOVAK, MGWS is making a next important step in the development of its strategy to be the most advanced solution provider to the web offset printing industry. MGWS and GWS have already closely cooperated in the field of used equipment, heatset press service and within the MARKET-X eCommerce platform launched by MGWS last year.
Alexander Wassermann, CEO of manroland Goss, emphasizes, “The acquisition of GWS and DOVAK by MGWS is a logical consequence of the many years of cooperation between the companies and the numerous project successes celebrated between the companies. Teaming our forces and solutions will result in an even broader portfolio to the printing industry worldwide. We expect the used equipment market and related services to grow within the next years, so adding GWS gives us the chance to become an even stronger and broader supplier in this business area.”
Walter Donkers and Eric van Kessel, current owners of GWS and DOVAK, add, “The graphic industry is facing constant change and it is obvious that suppliers seek to cooperate. Being part of the manroland Goss Group will allow us to develop and accelerate our growth plan for the business, increase market presence and support the MGWS business strategy in the new setup. In the area of used web offset equipment and related projects GWS will be given the chance to act as a standalone company in line with the clear MGWS vision to maintain the entrepreneurial approach GWS is known for and at the same time GWS will be able to extend its network and market reach.”
