Gallus and Heidelberg work closer together

focus on the accelerated  development of a digital label printing press in cooperation with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Ferdinand Rüesch brings in his 70%  Gallus shares and will become thereby an anchor shareholder of  Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.

Ferd. Rüesch AG, a Swiss company controlled by Ferdinand Rüesch, will contribute its 70% stake in Gallus Holding AG as contribution in kind into Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG – against the issue of new Heidelberg shares. After the transaction Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG will hold directly and indirectly 100% of the Gallus Holding AG shares.

Ferdinand Rüesch will thereby hold approx. 9% of the shares of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG and become an anchor shareholder. Already since 1999 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG held 30% of Gallus Holding AG and both companies cooperated closely in technology and sales.

The planned complete takeover of Gallus Holding AG accelerates the development and use of Heidelberg's digital products in the growing labels sector. In September of this year, Heidelberg and Gallus will be unveiling at the Gallus Innovation Days a new digital printing system for the label market that incorporates Fujifilm technology.

Gallus will continue to operate under its brand name and under its current management. Gallus will continue to focus on development, production and sales / service of narrow reelfed printing presses targeted for the label printer as well as on wide reel-fed printing presses and die-cutting machines for folding carton converters.

The Gallus Group
The Gallus Group is the world market leader in the development, production and sale of narrow-web, reel-fed presses designed for label manufacturers. Its folding carton business offers a range of wideweb, reel-fed presses and die-cutters for the cost-effective in-line production of folding cartons and cardboard products. The machine portfolio is augmented by a broad range of screen printing plates (Gallus Screeny), globally decentralised service operations, and a broad offering of printing accessories and replacement parts. The comprehensive portfolio also includes consulting services provided by label experts in all relevant printing and process engineering tasks. Gallus employs around 560 people, of whom 260 are based in Switzerland. The group headquarters is in St. Gallen. www.gallus-group.com