The Stoke-on-Trent firm, known as DTP, was established almost 30 years ago and specialises in pre-press automation systems, CTP equipment and associated services for clients in newspaper, commercial and packaging printing.
Key products include Krause and Cron CTP kit and Nela equipment for plate sortation, transport and plate bending.
Eddie Williams, ECO3 head of sales for Europe, commented: “We are bringing on board a team of highly experienced and professional engineers, providing 24/7 services to a broad range of equipment and software solutions. Their know-how will enable us to expand our reach and continue to provide the best services to our customers.”
Williams told Printweek that ECO3 had signed a global agreement with German manufacturer Krause earlier this year that would see Krause products being delivered in ECO3’s livery in certain territories.
“In the UK we’ve got full access to the Krause product line-up now, so that’s a positive for us in terms of taking the experienced DTP team on board,” he explained.
“It’s a relatively young team overall and they’ve got apprentices coming through as well, so it’s a regeneration of our existing team as well as a straight increase in numbers.
“Our strategy is quite clear, to be the last man standing in newspapers, and to do that we need to cover all the relevant equipment,” Williams stated.
ECO3 completed the takeover last week, and DTP’s team of six is being integrated with the ECO3 UK setup, which is headquartered in Ilkeston near Derby.
Williams said he expected the integration to be fully completed by the beginning of next year.
Frederik Dehing, ECO3’s global head of sales and service, said customers around the world trusted ECO3 to provide support for consumables, software and equipment.
“Providing excellent services has always been an integral part of the total prepress solutions we bring to market,” he said.
“This acquisition enforces our organisation and ensures that our newspaper, commercial and packaging customers in the UK remain assured of the best possible after sales support available.”
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
ECO3 is owned by private equity giant Aurelius, and was formed via the acquisition of Agfa's Offset Solutions division last year. It has subsequently expanded its offering into flexo products.
