Private equity rumoured to be behind Xeikon takeover approach

The company said in a brief statement: "Xeikon announces that it has engaged in discussions with a party, who has indicated to Xeikon that it may be interested in entering into a potential transaction regarding Xeikon, by way of making a public takeover bid for all shares in the capital of Xeikon.

"Parties are currently engaged in initial discussions on a potential transaction. Further announcements will be made if and when circumstances so require."

Xeikon's silence has prompted speculation about the identity of its would-be buyer. A Dutch newspaper speculated that a Dutch private equity firm was understood to be the bidder. It said Gilde was the favourite, followed by Waterland and NPM Capital, which it recalled had made a failed attempt to acquire Xeikon in 2010.

Industry speculation has linked everyone from rival liquid toner digital press manufacturers such as HP and Miyakoshi-Ryobi to pre-media rivals Fujifilm and Agfa.

Agfa has a long history with Xeikon in terms of both shared staff and technology. Both Xeikon's founder Lucien De Schamphelaere and new chief executive Frank Deschuytere were once Agfa employees and Agfa's share price has risen 13.5% since the start of the year.

Meanwhile, there has yet to be any further information on where former Xeikon chief executive Wim Maes has moved to, causing some to speculate that there may be a connection between his new employer and the mystery bidder.

[LinkedIn: Is private equity good for the industry?]

This article originally appeared at printweek.com

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