Blue Software is based in Chicago in the USA. The firm’s collaborative tools are available via a SAAS (software as a service) model. It has more than 5,000 customers and in excess of 100,000 users worldwide, and its software is used by over 12,000 brands including Revlon, Unilever, and Coca-Cola.

The firm’s label and artwork management systems are targeted at the retail, consumer brands, life sciences and marketing sectors.

Esko president Udo Panenka said the addition of Blue’s tools would help in Esko’s quest to enhance the packaging value chain by reducing time to market, costs, and risk.

“We strive to improve the overall efficiency of this critical business process for brand owners and the packaging value chain players. With this acquisition, we enhance Esko’s position as a tech innovator in the packaging industry,” he said.

Blue president Ali Moosani described the combination of the two businesses as “a truly transformational moment for the packaging industry”.

Esko acquired Blue Software from Diversis Capital and Schawk Digital Solutions. Under the ownership of Diversis Blue had acquired Design2Launch from Kodak as well as independent firm Viki Solutions.

Blue will become part of Esko and will join Esko parent Danaher’s Product Identification group of companies. This includes X-Rite, Pantone, AVT and Videojet.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.