Kirkbi retained the small offset division when it sold Esko's packaging wing, Esko Graphics, to the Danish private equity firm Axcel last September.

Last week's agreement means that US-based ECRM, which specialises in violet CTP, will acquire the whole DPX range of platesetters, plates, software and related pre-media products.

This is in addition to Esko Production's assets, associated patents and licences, intellectual property, and its service and distribution agreements.

Current sales, distribution and support channels will stay the same and Apex Digital Graphics will continue to operate as UK distributor for the DPX line.

"We are impressed with the sales and service organisation that is in place, and we plan to continue working with the current Esko Production channel partners under the ECRM brand," said ECRM president and chief executive Rick Black.

Vice president at ECRM, eastern hemisphere, Derek Sizer said the addition of Esko Production's "huge" user base would mean "significant contributions" to ECRM's profits while also strengthening the company's position in the middle and the lower end of the computer-to-plate market.

Apex joint managing director Bernard Parker said that it was "business as usual".

"ECRM is a very well respected manufacturer of platesetting devices, which will therefore give us a lot more support and input into growing the business," Parker added.