News

Manroland confirmed its intention to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) last week, but added that the timeframe would depend on market conditions.

Earlier reports had suggested the IPO would be announced at Drupa, although chief executive Gerd Finkbeiner pointed out that the company had never given a concrete timeframe.

Current indications are that it will be some time before Manroland feels confident enough to press ahead with its planned IPO, with the strong euro, high raw material prices, the credit crisis, fears of a US recession and industry cyclicality all counting against it.

It is these factors that have so badly affected rival press manufacturer Heidelberg’s share price, which has fallen to €16 in the past year.