Openshaw has bought Grafi Holland, The Dutch distributor of Xeikon digital.



The deal tied in with Openshaws plans to be a pan-European distribution firm, said chief executive David Coltart.



The 27-strong firm will trade under its name with Gerard Hirs staying as managing director and Rob Neger as commercial director.


Hirs said the takeover would help Grafi go from strength to strength.


Openshaw marketing director Tony Halker said: We have sold products to them over many years and see lots of synergy between our Xeikon distribution and theirs.


Grafi Holland has invested in other products for growth as well as Xeikon such as Purup-Eskofot, Epson and Hewlett-Packard.


Coltart said: Grafi Holland is one of the few distribution firms that succeeded in early recognition of the technical changes in imaging.


Openshaw also owns Nicoll Graphics just outside Paris, which it bought in January from SD Graphics. The firm focuses on flexo.


Story by Jez Abbott