Bobst Acquires Fischer & Krecke Group

Published: June 03, 2008

LAUSANNE, Switzerland | The Bobst Group has announced the acquisition of 100% of the Fischer & Krecke Group, in Germany, effective March 31. Bobst says the purchase is part of its strategy to expand its operations in the flexible materials market worldwide and to strengthen its presence in the flexographic printing area.

The company reports that the one-time costs to integrate Fischer & Krecke’s operations will lead in 2008 to a slightly negative operating profit for the Business Area Flexible Materials. In 2009, the operating profit is expected to return again to positive figures, according to the company.

The Fischer & Krecke Group is one of the world leaders (under the brand Fischer & Krecke) for flexographic printing solutions for flexible materials, paper and board and (under the brand Kochsiek) in two specialized areas: rotogravure printing and inline rotary diecutting for paperboard packaging for liquids and rotogravure printing for decorative applications.

With the acquisition, Bobst reports that Ralph Schuck, a member of the Executive Committee of the Business Area Flexible Materials, is the new director for all flexo printing activities on Flexible Materials, as well as managing director for Fischer & Krecke. Andreas Kückelmann (former F&K managing director) is now the managing director of Fischer & Krecke, as well as chief technology officer.