Global Graphics buys workflow company Xitron

Global Graphics has forked out $4.5m to acquire workflow solutions developer Xitron as it seeks to strengthen its offering for the industrial inkjet market, such as textiles and décor.

One of Global Graphics Software’s longest standing partners, US-based Xitron has been building solutions around the Harlequin Rip since 1991 to drive various models of inkjet printers, digital presses, proofers, imagesetters and platesetters and its Harlequin-based Xitron Navigator Rip is well known in the industry. In recent years Xitron has been increasing its footprint in production inkjet with its Navigator driven digital front end (DFE), which supports drive electronics from Meteor Inkjet and Global Inkjet Systems and drive all Memjet and Canon Finetech heads directly. Gary Fry, CEO of Global Graphics, said: “Xitron is the lead player in pre-press Rips with some 35,000 Harlequin Rip-based installations around the world and an impressive network of dealers and distributors. This acquisition allows us to further develop our digital print strategy with a more complete offering for industrial inkjet, such as textiles and décor, and with a broader range of pre-press components for digital applications.” Karen Crews, president of Xitron, added: “Xitron is looking forward to the collaboration and growth opportunities associated with this change. 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.” For the year ended 31 December 2018 Xitron recorded revenue of $4.77m and for the six months to 30 June 2019 revenue of $2.43m.