Under the terms of the agreement the two companies will jointly sell equipment, while some of Muller's auxiliary products will be usurped by Rima's kit.

Muller Martini chief executive Bruno Müller said: "For web printers in particular, it is important in today's environment to be able to use the right technology for their production facilities.

"The cooperation with Rima allows our customers to choose their ideal and individual solution from the extensive product line offered by the two market leaders. This means users can benefit from the most efficient solution in each case."

Areas that have been streamlined include conveying, trimming, stack production, log and roll production and palletising. The two companies have worked side-by-side on projects previously, although not in an official capacity.

Rima chief executive Axel Tübke said: "Our partnership is much more than a cooperation agreement. It is a commitment to finding the best solution for the customer, which is defined independently of the manufacturer label and must be optimally adapted to the respective application. After all, our main priority is that the customer benefits from the solution."