Now trading under Endutex UK, the company will stock Endutex products alongside its current offering of wide-format substrates and printers.

The deal was completed on 21 November, when Ultraflex’s business was acquired by Endutex UK, and all nine staff transferred across. The acquisition represents about £3.5m in additional turnover for the Portuguese manufacturing group.

Having been left largely to its own devices by the US-based Ultraflex group over the past 30 years, Endutex UK has gained a real opportunity for growth, according to Clint Green, the new company’s managing director and who previously headed up Ultraflex Europe.

He told Printweek that the European manufacturer, which has a presence in Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Czechia and Poland, would be supportive of growth.

“They have a desire to grow, and a track record investing in operating companies,” he said, adding that Endutex had effectively bought a ready-made distribution company.

“What they’ve actually acquired is the staff, with good customer contacts, good product knowledge – that’s the attraction for them.”

The UK arm will also benefit from Endutex’s wider offering, Green said, as the manufacturer offers a big selection of PVC-free and other less-ecologically damaging substrates.

“There’s a much stronger drive from customers,” Green added, “particularly from those that deal with the big retail chains.

“The fact that [Endutex’s range] is manufactured in Europe and doesn’t travel halfway around the world in a container also contributes. It’s a very positive thing for the team.”

Vítor Abreu, Endutex Group CEO, said: “Ultraflex Europe has built a strong UK business, selling a broad range of media to many wide-format printers across the UK. 

“We look forward to working with the new UK team to develop a broader portfolio of products with them and provide an even better service to all our customers.”

Endutex’s purchase now gives it two UK distributors, with the other being Soyang Europe in Altham.