German investment firm AURELIUS Group has completed the long-planned sale of Agfa-Gevaert Group’s Offset Solutions division. The Belgian manufacturer had agreed to sell the division to AURELIUS in a 92 million euro deal nearly eight months ago. AURELIUS officially closed the acquisition of Agfa Offset Solutions on 4 April, 2023.
Under the share purchase agreement, Agfa will continue to provide certain consumables including films, and services to its former division.
Pascal Juéry, CEO of Agfa-Gevaert Group, says, “The sale of our Offset Solutions division is an important step in our transformation journey.” While thanking his former employees for their professionalism, dedication, and loyalty over the years, Juéry adds, “I am confident that with AURELIUS, they will continue a track record on innovation and leadership.” Agfa states that the transaction will allow the company to focus on other growing market segments.
Industry pundits see this deal as a major blow to Agfa as Offset Solutions was its largest division, and a major turnaround in its performance saw the operation post sales up 4.2% to 779 million euros in FY22. For AURELIUS, the takeover gives them roughly 20% of the global market share and market leaders in Europe and Latin America. Under its new ownership Offset Solutions is also poised to rebrand, with its new name expected to be revealed later this week.
Matthias Täubl, CEO of AURELIUS Equity Opportunities, comments, “Agfa Offset Solutions offers various growth potentials, amongst others, in environmentally friendly low-chem and chem-free products. The existing portfolio of leading products and services already forms a strong basis for optimization. We are eager to start this journey, engage with the management and their team, and bring in our operational expertise.”
AURELIUS was advised on the transaction by Baker McKenzie (Legal), DC Advisory (M&A), and KPMG (Tax, Pensions).
