GMG Acquires Aurelon, Makes Strategic Entry in Large Format Workflow Solutions

　　Tuebingen – GMG, a leading developer and supplier of high-end color management software solutions, today announces the acquisition of Aurelon, located in The Netherlands. Aurelon provides innovative, modular and scalable technology for the processing of digital information to any media that requires accurate graphic production and output. With the acquisition of Aurelon, GMG is strengthening its presence in the large-format print production market significantly and is continuing its strategic expansion beyond traditional market segments.

　　In line with GMG's aggressive mid- and long-term growth plans, Aurelon is the company's second acquisition after the UK-based media production technology company CWS was bought earlier this year.

　　"In addition to constantly increasing market share in our traditional proofing and press room markets, it is our goal to also become a major player in the growing large format print production market. The acquisition of Aurelon is an important step in this direction and immediately allows us to offer A to Z production workflow solutions which fulfill the specific needs of large format printers", says Paul Willems, CEO of GMG GmbH & Co. KG.

　　"As applications in the market and for service providers are getting more sophisticated and brand owners are raising their demands for color quality and consistency, now is the right time for GMG to step up its presence in this market", adds Willems. "Until now these key needs have not been entirely met by currently available production workflow systems."

　　With the recent launch of the PrintFactory GMG Edition at Fespa Digital in Hamburg, GMG and Aurelon provide the most complete production solution for large format printing. PrintFactory GMG Edition integrates the Aurelon-developed PrintFactory suite for banner, sign and super wide format printing with GMG ColorServer and GMG SmartProfiler to provide a fully-automated process. PrintFactory GMG Edition provides unique state of the art and scalable job preparation, workflow and processing tools for efficient, standardized printing and finishing. The EcoSave option of GMG SmartProfiler allows for 10-20% savings on ink and guarantees a short return-on-investment. "PrintFactory is an integral part of our production workflow automation, increasing productivity and efficiency for studio, print and finishing", says Richard Gardner, Chairman & Managing Director of Gardners, UK.

　　"GMG and Aurelon are a perfect fit. The acquisition of Aurelon is the consequence of a careful and in-depth analysis of all available technologies," says Willems. "We considered the PrintFactory technology to be the best and the most compatible with GMG color management technology to offer a high-quality, complete package to this market".

　　According to Erik Strik, Director of R&D at Aurelon: "For years, both companies have been developing and providing solutions for standardizing print processes. Now, with GMG's global presence and sales channels, we can deliver this groundbreaking technology to the global market. Current users will benefit from further GMG investment in Aurelon technology and also get access to GMG color management technology. For new users, there is now an unparalleled technology platform available which suits their production efficiency and quality needs. This will allow service providers to raise their offering to a new level of productivity and quality while reducing costs in large format print production."

　　"For existing Aurelon OEM partners this is great news as it indicates that investments in further developments, including development for new market segments, are secured and that we have now access to the leading GMG color management technology which guarantees even more innovative products in the future", adds Strik.

　　"With this latest acquisition, we reinforce our promise made at IPEX 2010, that "Wherever a color goes it stays that color." We will continue to invest in new technology relationships, alliances and further acquisitions if it fits our long term strategy to play the major role in proofing, press room, digital and production printing" summarizes Paul Willems.