In the past year, the ink industry has joined its customers and suppliers in terms of mergers and acquisitions. In particular, the European publication ink market has had significant changes (see my August, 11, 2016 blog post on the topic here).
 
Still, there have been other noteworthy moves in the past six months worth noting in the packaging and digital ink segments.
 
In terms of mergers and acquisitions, Flint Group has been the most active company this year. During the first half of the year, the company added American Inks & Coatings and Advanced Color Systems, strengthening its position in the North American liquid ink market.
 
In September 2016, Flint Group added Printec Industries, Inc., a water-based flexo and gravure ink specialist headquartered in Marietta, GA. In its 25th year, Printec’s major markets are high-end paper cups, plates and folding cartons.
 
“We are extremely pleased with this addition to our growing packaging division in North America,” Doug Aldred, president Flint Group Packaging & Narrow Web, said after the acquisition. “As a key supplier of inks and coatings for high-end paper applications, Printec’s technology expertise and products, combined with the infrastructure of Flint Group, will benefit our current and future customers.”
 
In December 2016, INX International Ink Co. added its own flexo and gravure ink specialist, although in this case the company is headquartered in South America. Creative Industria e Comercio Ltda. is a 20-year-old packaging ink specialist located in a 107,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
 
“Creative is a highly respected premier ink supplier and well known throughout South America,” said Rick Clendenning, president and CEO of INX International Ink Co.
 
In the conductive ink field, Sun Chemical and DIC Corporation acquired UK-based Gwent Electronic Materials Ltd. Gwent is noted for its conductive inks, pastes and powders.
 
“The addition of Gwent’s diverse advanced electronic materials and tailor-made technologies will further expand Sun Chemical and DIC’s solutions portfolio for printed electronics globally,” Mehran Yazdani, President of Sun Chemical Advanced Materials, reported.
 
While Siegwerk did not make any acquisitions during the past half year, the company did make a move in China, where it opened INKube, its new Packaging Ink Solution Center, in Shanghai.
 
“We see a clear need to devote our resources to serving the markets of tomorrow like Asia in order to ensure sustained success for the company,” Ralf Hildenbrand, president Asia for Siegwerk, said.
 
In an acquisition on the digital side, Avery Dennison bought New Hampshire-based Ink Mill Corporation.
 
“This acquisition creates a marriage of our media expertise with current and next-generation ink technologies, strengthening relationships with our customers and OEM printer partners,” Nick Tucci, VP sales, Materials Group North America, said about the acquisition.
 
The final two I wish to mention were announced during drupa, when Kao Corporation acquired Collins Inkjet, Cincinnati, OH, and Chimigraf Holding, S.L., Barcelona, Spain. Collins Inkjet has been a successful inkjet supplier through the years, while Chimigraf is a sizable player the inkjet and flexo ink markets, with $50 million in sales in 2015.
 
What do all of these moves have in common? They all offer opportunities in growing markets, whether it is packaging, digital or conductive inks, which makes good business sense for the acquiring companies.