David Savastano, Editor11.01.14
In recent years, the ink industry has seen a great deal of merger and acquisition activity on both sides of its supply chain. However, ink manufacturers were generally less likely to consolidate.
That changed in 2014, as I note in my article, “2014 Year in Review,” which begins on page 19. The major headlines from 2014 were the acquisition of Flint Group by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and Koch Equity Development LLC, completed in September, and the purchase of Color Resolutions International by American Inks & Coatings, which was completed in May 2014.
The reasons behind these acquisitions are different, but they still signal the belief that there are opportunities for growth for ink companies. These opportunities can also be seen in the number of new manufacturing facilities that the larger ink manufacturers have built during the past year, as companies look to add to their production capabilities and strengthen their international presence.
The other key takeaway from the 2014 Year in Review is that the packaging, inkjet and energy curable segments continue to grow, and ink companies that are active in those fields reported growth during the year. In particular, in Catherine Diamond’s article, “The 2014 UV/EB Report,” which starts on page 27, leaders in the UV, UV LED and EB fields offer their insights into the opportunities in energy curing.
Unfortunately, ink executives are not optimistic about the publication field. In my article on “The Publication Ink Market,” which starts on page 35, the recent numbers of the various publication segments – newspapers and magazines in particular – remain a concern that is unlikely to change going forward.
All in all, 2014 was a time of change and growth for ink manufacturers, particularly in segments where their customers are expanding, and this growth leads to more possibilities for the coming year.
That changed in 2014, as I note in my article, “2014 Year in Review,” which begins on page 19. The major headlines from 2014 were the acquisition of Flint Group by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and Koch Equity Development LLC, completed in September, and the purchase of Color Resolutions International by American Inks & Coatings, which was completed in May 2014.
The reasons behind these acquisitions are different, but they still signal the belief that there are opportunities for growth for ink companies. These opportunities can also be seen in the number of new manufacturing facilities that the larger ink manufacturers have built during the past year, as companies look to add to their production capabilities and strengthen their international presence.
The other key takeaway from the 2014 Year in Review is that the packaging, inkjet and energy curable segments continue to grow, and ink companies that are active in those fields reported growth during the year. In particular, in Catherine Diamond’s article, “The 2014 UV/EB Report,” which starts on page 27, leaders in the UV, UV LED and EB fields offer their insights into the opportunities in energy curing.
Unfortunately, ink executives are not optimistic about the publication field. In my article on “The Publication Ink Market,” which starts on page 35, the recent numbers of the various publication segments – newspapers and magazines in particular – remain a concern that is unlikely to change going forward.
All in all, 2014 was a time of change and growth for ink manufacturers, particularly in segments where their customers are expanding, and this growth leads to more possibilities for the coming year.