Mergers and acquisitions

Ricoh has acquired German software provider ColorGate in a deal worth around €10m (£8.7m).

Paperhat Group has gone into administration and Paragon is set to acquire its communications wing.

Kodak has agreed to sell its flexo business to Montagu Private Equity in a deal expected to be worth up to $390m (£301m).

Pagefast has been acquired by MTP Media and will relocate to its new owner’s premises as floods have left its own base difficult to insure.

Ricoh has acquired LAC Corporation, a Japanese company specialising in technology to print onto three-dimensional surfaces, as part of its industrial print growth strategy.

Heathfield commercial printer Scantech has acquired Berforts South West and is set to begin relocating into its new subsidiary’s Hastings base to consolidate under one roof.

Data-driven direct mail print management specialist Brightsource has merged with sister company Signal, and will now operate under that name.

Reflex Labels has bought Fusion Flexibles in a pre-pack administration deal after the packaging manufacturer succumbed to mounting cashflow pressure.

Fretwell Print & Design is looking to increase its turnover by nearly a third over the next two to three years following a management buyout by two long-serving employees.

The new owners of WirralCo have pledged to do their utmost to get the business back on an even keel and have urged the industry to “give us a chance”.