Bertelsmann Creates Europe’s Biggest Printing Group

Bertelsmann is forming Europe’s largest network of printing companies. The international media, services and education group is merging its offset and gravure printing activities under a shared organizational umbrella, effective January 1, 2016. Bertelsmann Printing Group, the new division, will have revenues of €1.7 billion, and nearly 9,000 employees.

Thomas Rabe, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann, says: “Today’s step marks a milestone in strengthening our core. The Bertelsmann Printing Group will be at the forefront of shaping the printing business. As the market leader in Europe, the new division will be in an excellent position to meet the challenges of the industry. At the same time, this initiative now enables our service unit Arvato to focus fully on its growing services business – including the areas of CRM, SCM, financial solutions, and IT.”

Axel Hentrei and Bertram Stausberg, Co-CEOs of Bertelsmann Printing Group, add: “Establishing the Bertelsmann Printing Group is a logical step forward. The print market is changing. Offset and gravure printing are increasingly converging. Now, under a shared organizational umbrella, our print businesses can act collaboratively and leverage synergies.”