Antalis completes rescue buyout of Ovenden Papers Global paper, packaging, and display solutions supplier, Antalis, has acquired the assets and trade of UK-based material broker, Ovenden Papers, after the company entered formal administration. The company, which entered administration after 83 years of trading, will continue to operate under its family name, with support by Antalis in the UK and Ireland. The acquisition includes the business’ customer relationships, employees, premises, and relevant operational assets. Ovenden has cited cash-flow pressures, escalating warehousing and logistics overheads, and broader economic volatility across the UK paper merchanting sector as key reasons behind the decision to enter administration and secure a rescue buyout. Antalis aims to ensure continuity of service for existing Ovenden customers and protect employee jobs while a full business review takes place. Antalis will work with employees, customers, and suppliers with the goal of minimising disruption as the business becomes part of the Antalis organisation. Nick Thompson, regional managing director for Antalis UK and Ireland, says: “While it is disappointing to see a long-established business such as Ovenden Papers enter administration, we are pleased to have been able to acquire its assets and trade and provide a route forward.” Xerox announces partnership with Xeikon Xerox has announced a new strategic partnership with digital print manufacturer, Flint Group Digital Xeikon, with the aim of broadening its production print portfolio and creating new opportunities in digital packaging, labels, and commercial print applications. As part of the agreement, Xerox will integrate Flint Group Digital Xeikon technology into its production print portfolio, combining its colour presses with Xerox’s Production Ecosystem, global distribution capabilities, and global support infrastructure. The addition of Xeikon solutions aims to complement existing offerings such as the Xerox Iridesse press, as well as the Proficio PX500/PX300, IJP900 inkjet press, and the PrimeLink series. The first press, which will be sold and serviced by Xerox, will be branded under the Xerox name and enhanced with Xerox-developed software, integration, and service capabilities. Additional details, including availability and product specifications, will be announced in the coming months. By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert 9 www.printmonthly.co.uk November | December 2026 - Issue 363 BUSINESS | NEWS Xerox will offer select digital presses under the Xerox brand, powered by Xeikon’s digital printing technology Antalis is set to provide further updates as the transition progresses and the initial operational review is completed EFI and Agfa form new company Electronics for Imaging (EFI) and Agfa-Gevaert (Agfa) have announced a definitive agreement to combine Agfa’s Digital Printing Solutions business with EFI, forming a new full-service industrial inkjet company. The agreement follows a global partnership that EFI and Agfa established in 2024, which enabled both companies to expand their product offerings through access to complementary technologies. EFI is a portfolio company of private equity firm, Siris, who bought EFI in 2019 for around $1.7bn (£1.33bn). As part of the new deal between the two industrial inkjet manufacturers, an affiliate of Siris will hold a 60% interest in the jointly held company, while Agfa will hold a 40% interest. The deal aims to bring together the operating capabilities of EFI and Agfa DPS under a single governance structure, with Siris and Agfa acting as equal partners. Backed by a combined global service network, the new company will aim to draw on a broader base of inkjet expertise spanning print engines, inks, software, and workflow, with the goal of shortening the path from development to production. EFI’s industrial inkjet solutions cover digital single-pass technologies for corrugated packaging, roll-to-roll, hybrid, and textile printers through its Nozomi, VUTEK, and Reggiani platforms. Agfa, meanwhile, has a core focus in display graphics, décor, and packaging applications, with a portfolio that includes the Jeti TAURO, Onset PANTHERA, and SpeedSet ORCA platforms. Together, EFI and Agfa DPS expect to generate approximately $625m (£472.4m) of revenue in 2026 on a pro forma basis and will serve a base of thousands of customers across more than 100 countries. Pascal Juéry, chief executive officer of Agfa-Gevaert, says: “This announcement reflects our longterm commitment to digital printing and our conviction in the future of the industry. By bringing together Agfa DPS and EFI, we are creating a stronger business with greater scale, broader access, and enhanced innovation capabilities. Rather than continue as a standalone business, we are choosing to partner with Siris to unlock the next phase of accelerated growth for our DPS business while maintaining a meaningful upside for Agfa’s stakeholders.” Frank Pennisi, chief executive officer of EFI, adds: “Our partnership with Agfa over the past two years has highlighted the strength of our complementary technologies, expertise, and teams. This combination is a natural next step that allows us to build on that momentum with a broader platform, accelerating innovation and expanding the solutions we can deliver to customers across industrial inkjet.” The proposed transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026 and is subject to customary employee information and consultation processes, regulatory approvals, and closing conditions By Jonathan Pert
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