Mutoh Europe Expands

04 September 2008, 3:20pm

Oostende, BELGIUM - Mutoh Europe, a business unit of Mutoh Holdings Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, today announced that it has reached a final agreement to acquire the company SE Group S.A., the holding company of the Sesoma and Sericomex companies. The Sesoma – Sericomex group (SE Group) will continue its activities as a subconcern of Mutoh Europe. This transaction is in line with the strategy of the Mutoh Group to accelerate its growth in Europe.

Headquartered in Luxembourg since 1995, the SE Group is a leading supplier of equipment and materials for the sign & display and industrial visual communication markets in Scandinavia and in the Baltic States. Having offices in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Group generates an annualized turnover of approximately € 24 million and currently employs 76 people. As part of Mutoh Europe, the Sesoma - Sericomex companies will continue developing their local markets. The existing local management teams and personnel will continue their good work.

“Consolidation of the SE group’s activities within Mutoh Europe represents significant growth opportunities for both Mutoh and Sesoma – Sericomex,” says Arthur Vanhoutte, President of Mutoh’s European operations.

“We have been working closely together with the Sesoma and Sericomex companies since 1992, when they became authorized distributor for Mutoh CAD/CAS equipment.”

“Our key goal in acquiring the SE Group is to accelerate Mutoh’s growth in Europe. Apart from a recognized brand name and market position in Scandinavia and the Baltic states, the SE Group has an experienced management, excellent logistics, highly skilled personnel and last but not least a wide customer base. Their extensive field experience will also assist us further to develop future products meeting the needs of digital printer users.” Vanhoutte concludes.

Photo: From left to right: Mr. M. Takayama, Chairman Mutoh Holdings Co., Ltd. – Mr. Rauno Leijola, Chairman of the SE-Group - Mr. T. Sato, President of Mutoh Holdings Co., Ltd. – Mr. Arthur Vanhoutte, President of Mutoh’s European operations - Mr. Samuli Vuorenhela, CEO of the SEGroup

www.mutoh.eu

Geo: International