Xitron, a developer of Harlequin RIP and workflow products for commercial, flexo, digital, and high-speed inkjet printing, has been acquired by Harlequin RIP manufacturer Global Graphics from Vanguard Graphics International (VGI).
A nearly 30-year Harlequin OEM, Xitron is one of Global Graphics’ longest standing partners.
Xitron’s Navigator RIP solution provides prepress independence by allowing users to connect with different output devices manufactured by a list of suppliers such as Agfa, Fujifilm, Screen, Presstek (Mark Andy), and Heidelberg.
Since the company’s inception in 1977, it has been a mainstay in professional prepress production.
Its recent concentration in high-speed inkjet systems recently fostered the release of the Navigator-based Digital Front End (DFE), which supports a variety of inkjet heads from Memjet, HP, Kyocera, XAAR, Konica-Minolta, Ricoh, Canon Finetech, and Fujifilm Dimatix, among others.
According to Global Graphics CEO Gary Fry, the acquisition enables the company to leverage on Xitron’s digital print strategy, while capitalising on its established market share.
“Xitron is the lead player in prepress RIPs with some 35,000 Harlequin RIP-based installations around the world and an impressive network of dealers and distributors,” he said.
“This acquisition allows us to further develop our digital print strategy with a more complete offering for industrial inkjet, such as textiles and decor, and with a broader range of prepress components for digital applications.”
Xitron president Karen Crews said she looks forward to the companies’ collaboration.
“Having developed prepress software solutions around the Harlequin RIP as an OEM partner, Xitron is looking forward to the collaboration and growth opportunities associated with this change,” she said.
“As we continue to expand beyond our well-established presence in offset, flexography, screen printing, and high-speed inkjet, we’re excited to be a key part of Global Graphics’ strategic initiatives.”
Vanguard CEO Stan Goldberg said the sale will benefit both companies.
“As a long-time developer of the Harlequin RIP, Xitron’s prepress software products and markets align very well with Global Graphics’ strategic directions,” he said.
“At the same time, Printware will have the additional financial resources necessary to take full advantage of inkjet market growth through product development or potential acquisition opportunities.”
Most recently, Roma Printers & Stationers (Roma Printers) in Western Queensland installed a Xitron CTP System through G2 PSD, with remote servicing a key factor in the decision to invest.
G2 PSD said, in a statement, that it looks forward to the opportunities presented by the acquisition.
In addition to the acquisition, Fry announced his decision to step down from the post at the end of the year to pursue other avenues in the printing and publishing software industry.
He will be replaced by Mike Rottenborn, who is currently the president and CEO of Hybrid Software Inc. and will take up his new position from January 1, 2020.
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