Drent Goebel  mergers & acquisitions 
In what is being described as the “perfect match of innovative press manufacturers”, Drent Goebel has acquired a majority shareholding in RDP Marathon. With a large market share in the commercial printing market for long runs, Montreal-based RDP Marathon builds the V-series blanket to steel and the P-series blanket to blanket machines. With web widths up to 965 mm (38-inch), these presses will fit perfectly into the extensive Drent Goebel portfolio.

According to Drent Goebel CEO Rob Teunissen, the success of their Variable Sleeve Offset Printing press in the North American market makes the acquisition as logical as it is necessary. “Looking at the potential of the VSOP in the North American market, this acquisition was the best possible way to strengthen our organization,” says Teunissen. “RDP Marathon is the perfect partner for this, having not only a particularly good reputation in the market, but also outstanding presses with a large installed base and a fully tooled-up sales, service and manufacturing organisation.”

RDP Marathon president Eric Short says the move will add strength to the two leading players within the global market. “Both companies have their roots in designing and building durable and innovative presses. Drent Goebel is strong in Europe and in up-and-coming markets such as Asia. We serve Canada and the United States with our sales and service. A perfect match.”

The acquisition follows on from Drent’s merger with Goebel in 2001 and the acquisition of Giebeler in 2003.