But the move means that Xerox, which previously held UK OEM rights for the Presstek machine, will withdraw from the market. It will, however, continue to sell its 233 DI in the US.

"We want somebody whos active and committed. Xerox are good people and they had the right intentions but theyve been distracted," said Presstek vice president of sales and marketing Efrem Lieber.

KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp said he was "delighted" with the deal, which ends months of confusion over who held the distribution rights for the UK and Eire.

Xeroxs OEM agreement was for the UK only while KBA held the rights for Eire. Only one OEM is permitted per territory. As manufacturer of the mechanical parts of the press, Ryobi has the right to sell the machine, which it brands as the 3404DI.

The 3404DI is available from DI Solutions, a joint venture between Ry-Offset Graphics and Apex Digital.

Story by Lauretta Roberts