Insad Grafisch develops the Drumis software that is used by many businesses in the Dutch print and graphics industries.

After the company’s founder Gerard van Helsdingen passed away in 2018, the business started the search for a partner to guarantee its continuity.

It subsequently began negotiations with Dataline and the deal was completed on 31 December 2020, with the company’s employees and the Drumis software becoming part of Dataline.

The Drumis software will continue to be supported by Dataline under applicable terms and conditions. A migration process, including conversion, training, and service to Dataline’s MultiPress MIS/ERP platform is set up.

Dataline chief executive Dirk Deroo said: “We are not only adding a valuable customer portfolio to our company, but also a number of experienced specialists in the form of Insad employees.

“Dataline offers all Drumis users a future perspective of a modern software platform and in-depth knowledge of the print media industry in all its aspects. Dataline has also in 2020 further grown as European market leader.”

Following the acquisition, Dataline employs more than 60 staff and has 1,000 licensees and 10,000 daily MultiPress users in 23 countries.

“Acquisitions fit into our European strategic growth plans. Therefore, in 2021, we will investigate a number of acquisition cases of MIS/ERP software providers in the graphic industry that, like Dataline, have a strong focus on customer satisfaction, product quality, and employ competent and motivated employees,” said Deroo.

Martin van de Ven, MJ Consultancy chief executive and shareholder at Insad Grafisch, added: “We are very pleased that with this takeover the black chapter in Insad's history can finally be closed after Gerard's death. I am convinced that we will transfer our customers and employees into the best possible hands for a secure future.”