The combined business will be able to provide both hardware, from manufacturers including Agfa, Ricoh, Mimaki, and Fujifilm, alongside a large range of compatible medias in widths up to 5m.
The partnership will also lead to expanded sales, distribution, technical, and service support for both Soyang and Josero customers.
The deal, which was completed on Friday (27 May) for an undisclosed sum, will see Mark Mashiter remain as managing director of Soyang Europe while Sarah Winterbottom, formerly managing director of Swavesey, Cambridgeshire-based Josero, will assume the role of group sales director for the Soyang/Josero partnership.
Loic Delor, the former director/owner of Josero, will assume the role of operations manager of Josero Ltd and remain within the business for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition.
Andrew Simmons, who was previously sales director at Soyang Europe, has been appointed to the new role of product development director.
Mashiter said: “From Soyang’s perspective, the acquisition of Josero provides us with a quick and proven entry into the print hardware market.
“We already have a strong reputation with regards to the provision of wide and superwide-format media, and plan to build on this expertise within the hardware space with support from Josero’s specialist team.”
Delor added: “Through many years of hard work, we’ve developed Josero into one of the key players within the UK wide-format print industry.
“The integration of the Josero business into Soyang Europe makes complete sense; Soyang will drive Josero’s growth plans, while Josero provides Soyang with the diversification and expertise needed for the hardware segment. It’s a match made in heaven!
“On a personal level, the Soyang management team have very similar backgrounds to the Josero team, and we share common business values. I am delighted with the agreement and look forward to supporting the group continue on its successful business journey.”
Soyang Europe’s head office and 6,500sqm distribution centre is based in Accrington, Lancashire.
