DES brings Raster Printers to the locals

DES remains local distributor of Raster Printers after the company's acquisition by EFI.

EFI paid $3 million to purchase the remainder of Raster Printers this month. Raster Printers, founded in 2004, offers a line of UV wide format printers, currently marketed under the brand name Daytona, targeted to mid-range customers in the display graphics market.

Following the close of the transaction, the products will be marketed under the EFI Rastek brand name. Raster currently operates with a staff of approximately 20 employees out of its headquarters in San Jose, California.

"The acquisition of Raster will allow us to expand our product line and offer a variety of price-point products, significantly increasing our addressable market," said Fred Rosenzweig, president of EFI.

"It will also allow us to further leverage our sales force and distribution channels, while solidifying our position as the leading provider of wide-format UV inkjet technology."

DES is the distributor of the Raster Printers' Daytona range in Australia and New Zealand.

Ian Clare, managing director of DES, said that EFI's takeover would have only positive effects on the local markets.

"We are very excited about this acquisition," he said. "Both EFI and Raster Printers possess unique strengths and we are confident that this synergy will enable DES to deliver increased customer value."

Clare added that customers can have confidence that there will be strong support for the Raster printers on a national basis.

The acquisition will be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2008.