EFI acquires Shuttleworth Business Systems

EFI has acquired UK-based MIS developer Shuttleworth Business Systems, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition, which EFI said reinforces its position in the UK MIS market, was completed yesterday (4 November). It it is not expected to be material to EFI's Q4 or full-year 2015 results.

EFI Productivity Software senior vice-president and general manager Gabriel Matsliach said: "We are excited to welcome Shuttleworth customers and employees into the EFI family.

“We have been in touch with Shuttleworth in the past to explore the option of joining EFI. We have approached them again this year and we are happy that this time we were able to convince them to join EFI.”

Shuttleworth has a turnover of around £4m and serves customers across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It has reported more than 900 MIS installations to date.

Matsliach said the business, which has more than 50 staff, will become a part of the EFI brand moving forward. The staff will remain based at Shuttleworth’s current premises in Kettering, Northamptonshire.

“EFI will continue to support Shuttleworth customers with the same enthusiasm Shuttleworth demonstrated thus far and of course honour commitments made to current customers,” he added.

“The EFI portfolio will add considerable value to Shuttleworth customers including integration with Fiery DFE, shop floor and DMI, web-to-print, scheduling and imposition.”

Shuttleworth joint managing director Andy King also said he was excited by the deal, adding that he was confident EFI would bring additional value to Shuttleworth customers.

“EFI has the technology, skill and reach that will enable Shuttleworth customers continued growth and success for years to come,” he said.

EFI has also recently acquired Italian textile ink and kit manufacturer Reggiani and Israeli super-wide kit manufacturer Matan, both of which were completed on 1 July.

The business, which has more than 3,000 staff worldwide, reported record revenue for Q3 of this year, of $228.7m (£147.9m), a rise of 16% compared with Q3 of 2014 when sales were $197.7m.