Creo vice president of marketing Boudewijn Neijens said: "After Ipex we got together with other major manufacturers to discuss the major shows and the future for these events."

"Imprinta is too close to the next big one, which is Drupa. In the timeframe involved I don't think we or our customers want another big international event," he added.

A Messe Dsseldorf spokeswoman was unable to comment as she hadnt been informed of Creos plans.

Alexander Schorsch, Imprinta committee vice-president and president of the German Federal Print and Media Association, said he failed to understand Heidelbergs decision.

"We believe that the industry will make heavy investments in pre-press, cross-media and digital workflow, and Imprinta is a decision-making aid for these investments," he said.
Imprinta will take place in Dsseldorf from 20-25 February 2003.