Canon and Océ merge Swiss operations

Canon and Océ have announced the decision to combine their print businesses in Switzerland.

The move marks the first attempt to consolidate the two firms' European print operations since the completion of Canon's acquisition of Océ in March 2010.

In order to facilitate the merger of the two businesses, Océ will sell 100% of its Swiss subsidiary, Océ (Schweiz), to Canon Europa for €15.9m.

Océ (Schweiz) accounts for between 3-4% of Océ's global revenues.

The two companies said that the combination of their Swiss operations was in response to "specific local market conditions".

A joint statement said: "A combined operation in Switzerland is better placed to generate sales, taking into account the significant indirect business and fierce competition in the local market place. The combined Canon and Océ operation creates the largest printing presence in Switzerland."