Esko acquires Blue Software

Esko has acquired Blue Software - a label and artwork management software company based in Chicago - from Diversis Capital and Schawk Digital Solutions. “This acquisition joins two complementary teams to unlock product packaging development, management and execution efficiencies for brand owners in the consumer packaged goods, life sciences and retail industries and for a variety of suppliers in the packaging value chain,” stated Esko.

“We are relentlessly seeking to reduce time to market, cost and quality risk in the end-to-end packaging value chain. The acquisition of Blue enhances Esko’s unique set of tools to enable brand owners and their partners to improve all three,” said Udo Panenka, president of Esko. “Our software and hardware solutions digitise, automate and connect the packaging development and production workflow, from virtualized 3D design concepts all the way to printed, finished packs, in-store displays and e-commerce imagery and content. We strive to improve the overall efficiency of this critical business process for brand owners and the packaging value chain players. With this acquisition, we enhance Esko’s position as a tech innovator in the packaging industry.” “Blue helps users collaborate faster and more accurately so they can launch new products more frequently at lower cost. Blue and Esko coming together is truly a transformational moment for the packaging industry,” added Ali Moosani, president of Blue. As part of Esko, Blue joins the Danaher Product Identification division, which also includes Pantone, MediaBeacon, X-Rite, AVT, Videojet, Foba, Linx and Laetus.