Canon Production Printing and Canon Inc. announced the acquisition yesterday afternoon (4 April), the same day that it was completed, according to filings at Companies House.
Canon said the aim of the deal was to strengthen its label and packaging business, and create opportunities for future developments.
Canon said it was “intensifying its long-term strategy to provide turn-key solutions for the label and packaging sectors” and that the deal would enable Canon Production Printing to develop its LabelStream 4000 product line, as well as provide expertise and technology for future products.
Based in Hampshire, Edale engineers and manufactures printing and converting machinery for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed die-cutters, and finishing and converting kit.
It has a long history in the flexo label industry and a strong reputation for its web transport and converting systems for digital label production.
Mick Asada, CEO of Canon Production Printing, said: “Edale has been a supplier of the web transport, conventional printing and embellishment modules for our LabelStream 4000 series since 2018.
“Through this close collaboration we have a very high regard for the Edale team’s capabilities and specialist expertise in printing and converting for the label and packaging industry.
“We’re excited by the enormous potential that will come from far closer co-operation, and confident that this will help to realise Canon’s ambition to become a major force for digital innovation in the packaging arena.”
Edale will continue to trade under its existing brand and will remain an independently managed company. Owner and chairman Grahame Barker will retire, and the business will be led by the existing Edale management team under managing director James Boughton, reporting into Canon Production Printing through Walter Vogelsberger, vice president of Digital Packaging Printing.
Barker said: “We’ve experienced a period of exciting growth, and I believe that the support of a strong global player is vital to enable us to continue that trajectory in the future, so I’m delighted that Canon will be that partner for the next stage of Edale’s development.
“We’re confident that the combined force of Edale and Canon will deliver tangible advantages for both companies’ customers.”
Edale was the subject of a Printweek Best of British feature in 2019.
According to accounts filed at Companies House for the year ended 31 December 2021, the business employed circa 65 staff staff last year and achieved a turnover of £16m. This was more than double its 2020 sales of £7.75m and the company largely attributed the result to a significant increase in export sales.
