According to a Heidelberg spokesman: "We are in negotiations with Mathias Bauerle, discussing something along the lines of a
co-operation contract."

The deal is believed to centre on MB's flagship fully automatic PrestigeFold Net 52, but this was not confirmed by the firm.

According to the spokesman: "We can't talk in detail because questions are still on the table... We will announce something official at Print 05 in Chicago."

Sources, however, believe the move is a done deal. "It would allow them to compete with MBO, who own H+H, and give them the small-format folders that they are probably currently looking to get," said one.

Mike Biggs, managing director of MB's UK agent Encore Machinery, said: "They might be in discussions but nothing's been decided."
MB declined to comment.

Story by Darryl Danielli