Esko-Graphics technical support staff worldwide, including two in the UK, along with its EskoNet software development team in Denmark, will transfer to Agfa.

Agfas head of strategic business development for newspapers, Jack Knadjian, said: We are committed to the newspaper business, it represents a key strategic area for Agfa. Taking on their customer base makes a great deal of sense to us.

There are 160 DMX units installed worldwide, 20 of which are in the UK, while 120 sites use EskoNet. Existing DMX clients can order additional platesetters from Agfa for around six months. The product will then be discontinued.

EskoNet 2.1, the forthcoming version, will be overseen by Agfa and will be made available for the installed base.

Agfa has also said that EskoNet users can expect a full migration path into current and future workflow systems.

In January this year, Esko-Graphics announced that it planned to exit the newspaper sector to concentrate on its core markets of commercial printing and packaging. It also said it would discontinue its VLF platesetter, the Mondrian (PrintWeek, 24 January).

Esko-Graphics president Kim Graven-Nielsen said: Were convinced we have found in Agfa a committed partner that brings our newspaper customers a solid platform for continued support, ensures protection of their investments and offers them a viable growth path into the future.

However, another supplier at Ifra said the deal was a result of a tough market for equipment suppliers, adding that consolidation was inevitable.

But it means less players in the market, he added.

Story by John Davies at IfraExpo