Openshaw has completed its MBO from parent company Wolstenholme Rink. The deal was backed by Rutland Fund Managers and Bank of Scotland, although no price was disclosed.


Openshaw Group, as it is now called, will supply graphic arts consumables, electronic pre-press and digital printing kit. It has a turnover of 80m.


The firm made the separation from Wolstenholme, which retains the inks and coatings division, because "the synergy between the two divisions was not necessarily good", according to Openshaw chief executive David Coltart.


A new board has been formed to oversee the firm's UK and international operations. This is made up of Coltart, Tony Halker and Richard Payne, who were already at Openshaw.


Coltart said the firm would be aiming for growth within the areas of CTP and ink-jet proofing. "We feel that we have the technical skills that are vital when dealing with digital or CTP," he said.
Openshaw supplies platesetters from ECRM and Agfa, and ink-jet proofers from Agfa, HP and Epson.


In September Openshaw suffered a set-back in its CTP strategy when it lost the contract to sell Presstek processless plates and platesetters to Graphics and Offset Plates (GOP) (PrintWeek, 15 September).


"We entered the relationship in good faith, but it didn't work out for either of us," said Coltart.


Story by Jeremy Allen