European Marketing Company Charterhouse PM Limited Acquired by Konica-Minolta
Konica-Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. announced on November 19 to have signed an agreement to acquire the leading European marketing services production company Charterhouse PM Limited. The contract signing was said to have happened on November 9 and that the Japanese multinational company had bought 100% stake of Charterhouse.
“This strategic investment will significantly extend the range of print and outsourced marketing management capabilities we can offer our clients,” said Ken Osuga, President, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe. “Charterhouse has an impressive track record in this space, working with many of the world’s biggest brands. We look forward to supporting the leadership team as they pursue global growth.”
According to Konica Minolta’s official press release, one of the reason that led them to acquire Charterhouse was because of its expertise in offering cost reduction of documents, maximizing process improvement and its support for marketing planning which Konica-Minolta considered to be of great contribution to their group’s Medium-Term Business Plan “G PLAN 2013” that aims their commercial printing as the main market.
"The acquisition provides Konica Minolta know-how in marketing and consulting for document management, as well as Charterhouse’s European sales network. Konica Minolta aims to strengthen its marketing capabilities to offer practical solutions to the customers’ challenges and expand new services."
– Konica Minolta To Acquire Charterhouse PM Limited to Strengthen Production Print Business, Konica Minolta News Release, November 19, 2012
With high expectations to Charterhouse’s abilities, it’s CEO Gary Mahoney seemed to be looking forward to the new challenges working with Konica-Minolta will bring to their sleeves, saying: “Our clients are looking for global capability and with the support of Konica Minolta, Charterhouse will become a truly global business. With its strength in Asia and America, Konica Minolta gives us a global footprint and provides the financial resources to continue expanding our business and supporting leading brands with cutting-edge communications.”
Charterhouse PM Limited will be handled by Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH which is based Langenhagen, Germany. And upon its acquisition, the printing industry expects more from Konica Minolta copiers, laser printers and multifunction printers in the coming years.
Sources: Konica Minolta Press Release | Charterhouse Press Release