Alphagraph sells a range of graphic arts software, including MIS/ERP, e-commerce, web-to-print and workflow tools, although it is probably best known for the Prinance MIS, which Heidelberg announced it would stop selling in March, following its acquisition of Cerm.

The acquisition marks a continuation of EFI's acquisition-led expansion strategy in MIS and will accelerate its European growth, according to EFI EMEA managing director Paul Cripps.

"With the Alphagraph team and customers, we will continue to build upon the strength of our business, and the support we make available to our increasing number of customers in Europe," he said.

Alphagraph founder Norbert Hotze added: "EFI is a natural fit for our client base and we look forward to introducing them to EFI's overall support structure and portfolio of solutions."

EFI will continue to develop and support Alphagraph software, including Prinance, Printy, Web.Connect, Shop.Connect, Kreativ.Connect and Stratos i.Point, for existing users, although it will cease to market and sell the products to new customers.

Alphagraph will be integrated with EFI's APPS software division, which sells the PrintSmith, Pace, Monarch, Radius and Digital StoreFront software products and which recorded revenue growth of 44% in the first nine months of 2011.

Marc Olin, general manager of EFI's APPS division, said: "This relationship will allow us an even greater focus on providing the industry a strong and long term print management product portfolio with the benefit of the Alphagraph team, one of the strongest teams of development, support and implementation staff in Europe."

Georg Hollenbach, managing director of EFI's German business will assume the managing director role for Alphagraph, whose products are currently used in more than 6,000 facilities in 15 countries.