In different ways, all three are ‘no-brainers’. The Heidelberg/Ricoh deal fits perfectly with the former’s strategy of offering digital products that complement rather than compete with its core offering and will give the latter the commercial print credibility it craves. The Kodak tie-up with Konica Minolta plugs holes in both portfolios. While last, but not least, KBA’s partnership with RR Donnelley sounds like it will enable the press manufacturer to develop the niche high-end products it loves.

Clearly, financing any form of kit investment in the current climate isn’t going to be a walk in the park. But financing a digital asset, that has no residual value as far as lenders are concerned, is about as much fun as running across hot coals.

That’s why the Heidelberg/Ricoh partnership at first sight is the most intriguing, because in theory Heidelberg is in the best position to come up with some creative, bundled finance options. So for me this represents the biggest opportunity for Heidelberg when it fully unveils its digital strategy in the next few months.

The fact is that the Ricoh engines it will be offering, and others like them, will be available elsewhere, and while, Prinect workflow and ‘job gate’ will be a compelling added value proposition, it’s how these digital deals will be financed that could offer the press giant a real USP.

Because without a fresh approach to financing, Heidelberg is in danger of just fishing in a pond that has already been heavily trawled by the digital players and that could mean slim pickings.

Darryl Danielli Editor, PrintWeek