Web press maker KBA is to buy Italian flexo packaging press maker Flexotecnica  from Cerutti.

The deal extends KBA’s market reach and appears to fit with its own capabilities: Flexotecnica, based in Tavazzano, near Milan, (pictured) makes reel-to-reel equipment and currently outsources the manufacturing of all parts.

KBA says its healthy finances – preliminary figures for 2012 are due tomorrow – investment in growth markets possible. The acquisition follows its entry into the digital print market at DRUPA last year.

Flexotecnica is a subsidiary of Officine Meccaniche G. Cerutti, which makes gravure presses for packaging, publication and (still) newspapers. Its headquarters are in Casale Monferrato, also near Turin.

Founded in 1979, Flexotecnica has a staff of about 100, and specialises in wide-web common impression and stack-configured flexo presses for printing flexible packaging materials, paper and cardboard. It has also been making peripheral equipment for processes such as coating glues on the downstream units of gravure presses as well as die-cutters used to make cartons.

Cerutti has been the major shareholder since 1994. Some 85 per cent of production is exported, mostly though sister companies.

KBA says the planned takeover is an opportunity to expand its market position in the folding carton market into a further growing packaging segment by using its own international organisation.

It has agreed a price “in the high single-digit million Euros” for a majority stake, following adjustments on settlement. The acquisition has been approved by KBA’s supervisory board, but is still subject to conditions including review by antitrust authorities. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any further details concerning the takeover.