Tech-focussed investment bank ICON Corporate Finance has advised on the sale of printing and packaging specialists Edale to global leader, Canon Production printing. The deal highlights the continuing attractiveness of cross-border transactions and is the latest in a string of international deals advised on by ICON.

Hampshire-based Edale engineers and manufactures world-class printing and converting solutions for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed die-cutters, and finishing and converting equipment. It has a long history in the flexo label industry and a strong reputation for its web transport and converting solutions for digital label production.  

With 75 years of experience in the printing and packaging industry, Edale has developed award-winning British design and engineering expertise, providing digital and hybrid solutions for the packaging industry. Edale exports 75% of its products and specialises in four distinct areas: Cartons, Digital Web, Labels and Finishing - all manufactured in its purpose-built facilities near Southampton.

Mick Asada, CEO, Canon Production Printing, comments: “We’re excited by the enormous potential that will come from far closer co-operation with Edale, working with the existing management team under Managing Director, James Boughton. We’re confident that this will help to realise Canon’s ambition to become a major force for digital innovation in the packaging arena.” 

Edale Owner and Chairman, Grahame Barker, who will be exiting the business under the buy-out, comments: “We’ve experienced a period of exciting growth and I’m delighted that Canon will be the partner for the next stage of Edale’s development.”

Brian Parker, Head of M&A at ICON, who led the transaction, commented: “This is a great exit for Edale, which is enjoying strong growth due to its focus on sustainable packaging and has world class British engineering at its heart. It’s a great time to be an owner of a UK technology company as we continue to see strong buyer interest from overseas. In fact, eight or our last ten exits have been cross-border transactions.”

Canon Production Printing develops and manufactures high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market and is part of Canon, a global provider of imaging technologies and services. Canon Production Printing operates on three continents, with approximately 3,000 employees and has its Global Headquarters in Holland.

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