Xeikon entered the Belgian equivalent of Chapter 11 creditor protection in November, and was given four months by the courts to secure new financing.

On Tuesday (22 January) Xeikon announced that "it does not appear feasible to secure new capital within the time frame of the provisional creditor protection. By contrast, several parties have shown an interest in acquiring all or part of the firms activities or assets."

MAN Roland pinned a large part of its future digital strategy on Xeikon when it launched its DICOpress range, based on Xeikon engines, in February 2000. The stated aim was to build a 64m (DM200m) division within four years, and Roland is the most obvious candidate to buy its ailing partner. "Roland would look rather silly in terms of its digital strategy if a competitor stepped in," said one digital printing expert.

Robert Weiss, product manager for DICO OEM products at MAN Roland, would not comment on whether Roland would make a bid. He said: "We continue with our ongoing business and are completely convinced that Xeikon will go on, and see serious potential in our future with Xeikon. We cannot disclose confidential information and cant influence the decision of the Belgian courts."

Oc is also being mooted as a potential suitor, perhaps in partnership with Roland.

Xeikons statement also revealed that proceeds from the sale would go towards repaying its outstanding debts, including 18.5m (E30m) owed to banks. Post-sale it would be put into liquidation. Shareholders including Agfa, which has a 25% stake in Xeikon, are unlikely to receive anything.

Story by Jo Francis