labels  barcoding  mergers & acquisitions  rfid 
Singapore-base barcode printing, labelling and EPC/RFID solutions company SATO has bought New Zealand’s Walker Datavision, one of the leading providers of data collection and identification technologies in this country. The acquisition will provide SATO NZ with the added capabilities for it to bring to market SATO’s DCS & Labelling Worldwide vision.

Walker Datavision’s Frontline Consumables and Frontline Information Systems will be part of SNZ, operating as a separate division. SNZ will continue to use the recognised ’Walker Datavision’ brand name.

SATO is a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and the inventor of the world’s first electronic thermal transfer barcode printer, and Walker Datavision has been providing complete and best-in-class frontline data capture solutions and integrated services for many years.

It is a well known company in its field in New Zealand and SATO managing director Toshihiro Waki, says Walker Datavision’s core competencies offer a strategic fit to SATO’s own DCS & Labelling solutions.

“We are looking forward to leveraging their expertise in thermal and thermal transfer print technology for variable print applications and unique integration capabilities. This acquisition will add impetus to our drive for growth in the Oceanic region and beyond."

Managing director of SATO Australia Badi Ala’i, who will also oversee SNZ says the purchase will stand SATO in good stead in New Zealand to be the leading provider of full-service AIDC solutions.

“It also immediately brings on board vast industry experience and unique expertise that our other group member companies will synergistically benefit from."

SATO has offices in the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, it reported revenues of US$587 million.