Global Graphics PLC completes acquisition of HYBRID Software Group

Cambridge (UK), 13 January 2021: Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG) announces that it has successfully completed its acquisition of the HYBRID Software Group S.à r.l. (“HYBRID Software”) from Congra Software S.à r.l (“Congra”) following the passing of a shareholder resolution at a General Meeting held on Friday 8th January 2021.

HYBRID Software is a group of software development and marketing companies focused on enterprise software for the graphic arts industry, with a strong focus on labels and packaging.  It becomes the fourth subsidiary company in the Global Graphics group and sits alongside Global Graphics Software, Meteor Inkjet and Xitron.

The acquisition roughly doubles the size of the Global Graphics group of companies in terms of headcount, expanding the global workforce to around 250 people.  It adds several more operating locations to the group through HYBRID Software’s offices in Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France and the USA.  Global Graphics typically invests about one third of its revenues into R&D each financial year and has a strong software development team, which is now expanded to more than 75 engineers with the addition of HYBRID Software.

Global Graphics is dedicated to developing software and hardware solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing and has earned a reputation for innovation, with several of its companies being recognised with prestigious industry awards and, in the case of both Meteor Inkjet and Global Graphics Software, with the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise. It will continue to be a key supplier of original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) technology and, through HYBRID Software’s domain expertise in labels and packaging, a customer-focussed supplier of solutions for print service providers and converters as well as OEMs.

Guido Van der Schueren, Chairman of Global Graphics, says, “This acquisition is a great fit strategically.  It’s good news for our customers, our employees and our shareholders.  We will continue to grow the value of the company by supporting all our stakeholders and reaffirm our intention to remain a listed company. As the packaging industry continues its migration to digital printing, there are tremendous opportunities for Global Graphics’ hardware and software solutions, so bringing HYBRID Software into the group will help us grow our share in labels and packaging.  Exciting times lie ahead as we launch new initiatives in response to customer demands, ranging from innovative new products to subscription-based licensing models.”

Global Graphics’ CEO Mike Rottenborn says, “This acquisition makes Global Graphics stronger than the sum of its parts. Market requirements are changing and it’s important for the future growth of the company that we are positioned to respond.  Customers are asking for more functionality and we are well placed to offer a broader solution starting with a powerful new digital front end for the labels and packaging segment. Expect to see new product development for the industrial inkjet market too, which, as it evolves and matures, requires a new generation of software and hardware capabilities. We’ll be able to take HYBRID Software’s expertise in file preparation and enterprise production workflow gained in the labels and packaging segments and expand this out across all the industry segments we serve.”

HYBRID Software has been an integrator of the Harlequin RIP® for many years inside their CLOUDFLOW workflow product and in recent times has been working at a technical level with Global Graphics Software on the Fundamentals™ digital front end. Michigan-based Xitron, also a long-standing customer for the Harlequin RIP, is active in the commercial printing industry providing pre-press and digital solutions to OEMs.  Its Navigator DFE supports drive electronics from sister company Meteor Inkjet, a leading developer of printhead driver solutions for industrial inkjet systems. Together with Global Graphics Software, developer of the Harlequin RIP and other technology components for digital printing, the Global Graphics group offers the market a compelling stack of solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing.

Consideration for the acquisition of HYBRID Software was EUR 80 million which was satisfied in full by issuing 21,074,030 Global Graphics shares to Congra.

For the year ended 31 December 2020, it is estimated that HYBRID Software’s revenue will be around EUR 17 million and EBITDA will be around EUR 5.5 million (subject to audit).  HYBRID Software will be included in the group’s consolidated financial statements with effect from the reporting period that includes the closing date of the acquisition, i.e. for the year ending 31 December 2021, starting with the condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ending 30 June 2021.  Further information in respect of the acquisition can be found on the company’s website at https://investor.globalgraphics.com/investors/hybrid-software-acquisition.

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron

Contacts
Jill Taylor
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489
Email: jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Graeme Huttley
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472
Email: graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Result of the General Meeting

Cambridge (UK) 8 January 2021: Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG) announces the result of its General Meeting that was held today (the “Meeting”).

Further to the Company’s announcement on 10 December 2020 regarding the proposed acquisition of HYBRID Software Group S.à r.l. (“HYBRID”) from Congra Software S.à r.l (“Congra”), the Company is pleased to announce that at the Meeting held earlier today, the ordinary resolution proposed at the Meeting was passed without amendment, authorising the allotment of 21,074,030 ordinary shares to Congra in exchange for the entire issued share capital of HYBRID.

Full details of the resolution passed and the acquisition are available in the Notice of the General Meeting and other related documents, all of which are available on the Company’s website at https://investor.globalgraphics.com/investors/hybrid-software-acquisition.

Whilst Congra, in its capacity as the Company’s majority shareholder was entitled to vote and did vote at the Meeting, the Directors of the Company were pleased to see that the resolution held the support of the Company’s other shareholders as the resolution would have passed, with 76.5% of the votes cast in favour of the resolution, had Congra’s votes not been included.

Following the passing of the resolution at today’s meeting, it is expected that completion of the acquisition of HYBRID will occur in the next few days, after the required closing actions have been completed by all parties.  A further announcement will be made at the time of completion of the acquisition.

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron.

Contacts

Jill Taylor
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489
Email: jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Graeme Huttley
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472
Email: graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Financial reporting calendar 2021

Cambridge (UK) 5 January 2021: Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG) expects to publish the following financial information before market opening on the following dates:

Date Publication
11 March 2021 Annual report and accounts for the year ending 31 December 2020
28 July 2021 Condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ending 30 June 2021

Annual General Meeting

The Company expects to hold its annual general meeting on Friday 26 March 2021.  The meeting’s timing, venue, and final agenda will be provided in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory provisions.

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron.

Contacts

Jill Taylor
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489
Email: jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Graeme Huttley
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472
Email: graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Global Graphics PLC: second shareholder Q & A conference call

Cambridge (UK), 4 January 2021: Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG) announces a second shareholder question and answer conference call in advance of the General Meeting to be held on 8 January 2021.

The Q&A session will be recorded and made available on the Company’s website.

Shareholders are invited to attend the Q&A session via a Zoom conference call on Wednesday, 6 January 2021, at 15:00 CET.  To register for this conference call, please email investor-relations@globalgraphics.com by 14:30 CET on Wednesday, 6 January 2021.  Details of how to join the meeting will then be provided by email.

General Meeting on Friday, 8 January 2021 at 15:00 CET:

Whilst the shareholders’ meeting of Friday, 8 January 2021 will be a closed meeting the Board will make available video conference dial-in facilities so that shareholders can participate should they wish.  Please email investor-relations@globalgraphics.com by 14:30 CET on Friday, 8 January 2021. Details of how to join the meeting will then be provided by email.

More information about HYBRID Software, the proposed acquisition and full details about the meeting and voting can be found in the Notice of General Meeting on the Company’s website at https://investor.globalgraphics.com/investors/hybrid-software-acquisition.

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron.

Contacts

Jill Taylor, Corporate Communications Director, Global Graphics
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489
jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Graeme Huttley, CFO, Global Graphics
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472
graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Notification of transactions in shares by persons discharging managerial responsibility (“PDMRs”)

 

Cambridge (UK) 29 December 2020: The Company makes the following announcement and notifications in respect of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

 

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
a) Name Michael Rottenborn
2 Reason for the notification
a) Position/status CEO
b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
a) Name Global Graphics PLC
b) LEI 213800ZFW446QIHAB654
4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

Identification code

 Ordinary share

 

GB00BYN5BY03
b) Nature of the transaction Acquisition of shares
c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price

EUR 3.6600

 Volume

900
d) Aggregated information

– Aggregated volume

– Price

  

900

EUR 3,294.00
e) Date of the transaction 28 December 2020
f) Place of the transaction Euronext Brussels

 

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron.

Contacts

Jill Taylor, Corporate Communications Director

Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489

jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

 

Graeme Huttley, CFO

Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472

graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Global Graphics PLC: shareholder Q & A conference call

Cambridge (UK), 14 December 2020: Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG) confirms the following in connection with the conference call scheduled for today at 15:00 CET in the context of its contemplated acquisition of Hybrid Software:

 

  • All members of the board of directors of Global Graphics will attend the Q&A session and the slides of such presentation will be made available on our website after the meeting.
  • The Q&A session will be recorded and made available on the company’s website.
  • Shareholders are invited to submit written questions during the period between 14 December 2020 and 4 January 2021. Appropriate answers will then be published on the website prior to the shareholders’ meeting on 8 January 2021.
  • The board has requested permission from the independent valuation expert to make its independent valuation report (or at least extracts of the report) available to shareholders. As soon as such approval has been obtained, the report will be made available on the website.
  • A second Q&A session will be organized on 5 or 6 January 2021 (which, if the independent valuation expert agrees to the release of part or all of its report, should be after the disclosure of the valuation report as per item 4 above). The exact timing will be announced shortly.
  • Whilst the shareholders’ meeting of 8 January 2021 will be a closed meeting, we will make available video conference dial-in facilities so that shareholders can participate should they wish. Details will be announced at a later date.

 

More information about HYBRID Software, the proposed acquisition and full details about the meeting and voting can be found in the Notice of General Meeting on the Company’s website at https://investor.globalgraphics.com/investors/hybrid-software-acquisition.

 

Shareholders are invited to attend a Q&A session with the Board via a Zoom conference call on Monday, 14 December 2020, at 15:00 CET.  We want to remind you that to register for this conference call, please email investor-relations@globalgraphics.com by 14:30 CET on Monday, 14 December 2020.  Details of how to join the meeting will then be provided by email

Ends

 

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron.

Contacts:

Jill Taylor, Corporate Communications Director, Global Graphics

Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489

jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Graeme Huttley, CFO, Global Graphics

Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472

graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Global Graphics PLC: Proposed acquisition of HYBRID Software Group

Cambridge (UK), 10 December 2020 (08.00 CET): Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG) announces today that it has entered into a binding conditional agreement with Congra Software S.à r.l. (“Congra”) for the proposed acquisition of the entire issued share capital of HYBRID Software Group S.à r.l. (“HYBRID Software”) from Congra.

HYBRID Software is a group of software development and marketing companies focused on enterprise software for the graphic arts industry, with a strong focus on labels and packaging.  HYBRID Software is registered in Luxembourg and has subsidiaries in Belgium, Germany, Italy, France and the USA.

HYBRID Software’s two main product lines, CLOUDFLOW and PACKZ, offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflow and editing, variable data linking and imposition, vendor-independent solutions based on industry standards, scalable technology and low total cost of ownership. These products are used by more than 1,000 customers worldwide in all areas of pre-press and printing, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, and wide format.

Guido Van der Schueren, Chairman of Global Graphics PLC, explains the rationale behind the proposed acquisition.  “Combining Global Graphics and HYBRID Software will create the foremost enterprise software supplier for digital printing, as well as for traditional label and packaging market segments and I’m proud to announce it to the industry.  The DNA of both companies is similar – customer-focused innovation in graphic arts and industrial inkjet – and there’s a strong existing relationship and a great fit between HYBRID Software and the Global Graphics companies: Global Graphics Software, Meteor Inkjet, and Xitron.

“The combined company will total more than 250 dedicated employees with a wealth of experience in software and hardware development, but our mission will remain unchanged: developing innovative solutions for both end users and OEM suppliers.  HYBRID Software has also established a successful recurring revenue model based on SaaS and subscription licensing, something that Global Graphics’ customers are asking for as well.  I look forward to concluding the transaction at the beginning of 2021 and to a very bright future for the new company.”

Mike Rottenborn, Global Graphics’ CEO, adds: “This proposed acquisition is strategically important for our future growth. With HYBRID Software on board, Global Graphics will be able to offer premium products like packaging editors and production workflow solutions to end-users, in addition to continuing our focus on innovative solutions for our OEM partners. While Global Graphics already supplies technology to the labels and packaging market, we will be able to increase our focus on packaging with the acquisition; the labels and packaging segment is the fastest growing in the printing industry and an area in which HYBRID Software has specialized knowledge.  It also has feet on the ground across Europe, Asia, and the Americas to facilitate OEM and end-user sales.  And we recognize that the way in which we do business would benefit by introducing new models, including SaaS and subscriptions.  These are business models that our existing customers have requested and that HYBRID Software offers to its customer base. Their expertise in this area will be valuable to us as we roll out these new initiatives across Global Graphics.”

Consideration for the acquisition is EUR 80 million which will be satisfied in full by issuing 21,074,030 Global Graphics shares to Congra (the “Consideration Shares”). The number of Consideration Shares to be issued to Congra has been calculated based on the volume-weighted average of the closing price per Global Graphics share for each of the last 30 trading days prior to the date of signing the conditional agreement, and represents an implied price per Consideration Share of EUR 3.80. Assuming successful completion of the acquisition and following the issue of the Consideration Shares to Congra, Congra’s aggregate shareholding in Global Graphics will amount to 82.16 per cent of the enlarged issued share capital of Global Graphics (excluding shares held in treasury). The acquisition remains conditional upon, amongst other customary conditions, the passing of a shareholder resolution at a forthcoming general meeting of Global Graphics to be held on 8 January 2021.

More information about HYBRID Software, the proposed acquisition and full details about the meeting and voting can be found in the Notice of General Meeting on the Company’s website at https://investor.globalgraphics.com/investors/hybrid-software-acquisition.

Shareholders are also invited to attend a Q&A session with Mike Rottenborn and Graeme Huttley via a Zoom conference call on Monday, 14 December 2020, at 15:00 CET.  To register for this conference call, please email investor-relations@globalgraphics.com by 14:30 CET on Monday, 14 December 2020.  Details of how to join the meeting will then be provided by email.

Ends

About Global Graphics

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext Brussels: GLOG) is a leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.  Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK.  Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and the pre-press software specialists Xitron.

Contacts
Jill Taylor
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926489
Email: jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Graeme Huttley
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926472
Email: graeme.huttley@globalgraphics.com

Global Graphics companies showcase innovation at Printing Expo online

 

Cambridge, UK, 30th November 2020: Global Graphics companies, Meteor Inkjet, Xitron and Global Graphics Software, are among the first wave of exhibitors at Printing Expo online, a new virtual exhibition that opens today where exhibition stands are rendered out to real physical dimensions to give visitors an immersive experience 365 days of the year.

 

Global Graphics CEO Mike Rottenborn says, “Trade shows have always been close to our heart as a way to connect with customers and prospects, but COVID has changed many things in the world, and the “new normal” won’t be the same as it was before COVID. Virtual trade shows will be another tool in our sales and marketing toolbox, and we’re excited to participate in the first real virtual show that looks and feels like a trade show. Kudos to the team that has introduced this modern solution to our industry.”

 

The visitor experience mimics a real exhibition:  visitors register at the entrance, navigate down the aisles and walk onto exhibition stands where they can watch video, download data sheets and request a meeting with the exhibitor.

 

Meteor will showcase its complete portfolio of industrial inkjet electronics, software, tools and services including:

  • robust and scalable printhead drive electronics for all leading industrial inkjet printheads;
  • extensive suite of off-the-shelf and bespoke software including software development kits, digital front ends (DFEs), industrial RIPs and print quality tools;
  • complete line of DropWatcher systems and waveform development services for ink characterization, print reliability analysis and printhead evaluation.

 

On display at the Xitron stand will be workflow solutions for every segment of the printing market; flexography, commercial offset, screen printing, and DFE solutions for the desktop inkjet and short to mid-run digital segments.  Each workflow features the powerful Harlequin® RIP core with additional tools specific to the prepress needs of the corresponding market.

 

Of primary interest to high-speed inkjet press manufacturers will be Xitron’s Navigator DFE. Designed to help get these presses to market faster, Navigator DFE drives printheads from Memjet, HP, Epson, Konica-Minolta and others with incredible color accuracy and spot color matching ability. Recently recognized with the InterTech™ 2020 Technology award, Navigator DFE can be packaged as a complete solution including engine controls, or as an API for systems with existing software.

 

 

Global Graphics Software will be exhibiting its full product range including:

  • Harlequin RIP, the industry’s fastest RIP to power digital workflows;
  • Direct™, a fully integrated graphics pipeline that sends data directly to the printhead electronics instead of writing to disk, winner of a 2021 Buyers Lab (BLI) Outstanding Innovation award in Production Print from Keypoint Intelligence;
  • Fundamentals™, a flexible Digital Front End (DFE) for label and packaging workflows developed jointly with HYBRID Software;
  • Mako™, a multi-purpose software development kit used for a variety of functions in document workflows such analysis, conversion, optimization, cloud and mobile app development;
  • PrintFlat™ uniformity correction software to remove artifacts from inkjet printing such as streaking, mottling and banding, recipient of a 2019 InterTech Technology Award.

Visit all three stands at:

https://www.printing-expo.online/show/meteor/

https://www.printing-expo.online/show/xitron/

https://www.printing-expo.online/show/global-graphics-software/

 

Ends

About Global Graphics PLC

Through its operating subsidiaries, Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG)   http://www.globalgraphics.com is a leading developer of integrated software and hardware solutions for graphics and industrial inkjet printing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen and Mark Andy.

Global Graphics PLC is headquartered in Cambridge UK. Its subsidiary companies are printing software developers Global Graphics Software; the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet; and, pre-press workflow developers Xitron.

Media contacts

 

Jill Taylor, Corporate Communications Director, Global Graphics Software

Jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Tel +44 (0)1223 926489 or US Tel: +1 978 631 0414

Mobile: +44 (0)7714 410598

 

Tracey Brown, Direct of Strategy and Marketing, Meteor Inkjet

Tracey.brown@meteorinkjet.com

Tel: +44 34 584 40012

 

 

Bret Farrah, VP of Business Development, Xitron

Bret.farrah@xitron.com

Tel: +1 734.794.1334

Mobile: +1 517-673-0715

Mimaki creates new, improved RIP “Rasterlink™7” with Harlequin

Cambridge, UK, 4 November, 2020:  Global Graphics® Software has licensed the Harlequin RIP to Mimaki Engineering, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D modeling machines, to create the new RIP software RasterLink7 that will be available with Mimaki printers worldwide from December 2020.

Mimaki printers are used by sign and graphics, textile and apparel, and industrial printing professionals around the globe. RasterLink7 improves performance and enhances quality as well as introducing new features such as variable data printing for applications such as sports apparel, card printing, name tags stickers and labels. Shipments are expected to be in the region of 10,000 Units a year.

RasterLink7 was announced by Mimaki on 4 November at the launch of their new JV100-160 and UJV100-160 presses for sign and graphics.

  

“Our objective in choosing Harlequin as the core of our genuine Mimaki RIP is to improve the performance of our products,” says Satoshi Kaneko, General Manager of software design department, MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. “Customers will see that the RIP processing time for PDF files is considerably shortened.  There are significant quality improvements too; PDF transparency processes correctly and we have found that the expression of thin lines is improved.”

Global Graphics’ local office in Tokyo provided responsive technical support to Mimaki. They worked closely with Mimaki engineers in a number of areas to introduce unique functionality for Mimaki customers. These included multi-layer printing, the replacement of colors in graduated tints, exporting contours for cutters, and the addition of texts and graphics to submitted jobs for variable data printing. The variable data feature was implemented using the dynamic overlays in Harlequin which are specifically designed for those printing applications that require a simple form of VDP support. It combines a single background page with overlay graphics, such as text and images, that are selected using data from a file supplied in CSV format.

Harlequin is a Raster Image Processor, or RIP. A RIP is a tool for converting a page description language such as PostScript® or PDF into a format that a printing device such as an inkjet printhead, toner marking engine or laser platesetter can understand. The format that it outputs may be a raster file format such as TIFF™, or it may be a stream of raster data that is delivered more or less directly to the printing device. The exact format delivered may be tuned for each integration.

Ends

About Global Graphics Software

Global Graphics Software www.globalgraphics.com develops innovative core technology for digital print, including the Harlequin RIP®, ScreenPro™, the Direct™ product range, and Mako™. Customers include HP, Canon, Durst, Roland,  Kodak and Agfa. The roots of the company go back to 1986 and to the iconic university town of Cambridge, and, today the majority of the R&D team is still based near here. The US office is in Sarasota, Florida. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG).

About MIMAKI ENGINEERING

Mimaki is a global industry leader of wide-format inkjet printers, cutting plotters, 3D modeling machines, software, hardware and associated consumable items, such as inks and cutting blades. The company engineers and manufactures a complete range of products that attain the total workflow solution for sign/graphics, textile/apparel and industrial printing professionals. Mimaki excels in offering superior quality and reliable products, based upon its aqueous solvent and UV curable inkjet technology. As an innovator and strategic partner, Mimaki is committed to always providing “something new, something different” in the marketplace. Visit website at https://mimaki.com/

Harlequin, the Harlequin RIP and Harlequin Host Renderer are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics PLC which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Contacts

Jill Taylor, Global Graphics
Tel: + 44 (0) 1223 926489 | Mobile: +44 (0)7714 410598 | Jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com

Paula Halpin, Global Graphics
Tel: +44 (0)1223 926017 | paula.halpin@globalgraphics.com

MUTOH creates new generation RIP based on Harlequin technology

Agreement covers all major inkjet models 

Cambridge, UK 28 Oct, 2020:  Global Graphics® Software has licensed the Harlequin Host Renderer to MUTOH, the Japanese manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and sign cutting plotters, in a contract spread over multiple years. The agreement includes licensing Global Graphics’ new Opal Advanced Inkjet Screens™ to provide high-quality half-tone screening specially developed for inkjet printing.

The Harlequin Host Renderer is being integrated into VerteLith™, MUTOH’s RIP software, and will be available to MUTOH customers via a download service from the beginning of November this year, initially for the UV machines VJ-1638UR/UH and XPJ-461/661UF and ultimately for all the major models sold, including the eco-solvent machines.

“By making extensive use of the Harlequin Host Renderer features,” says MUTOH’s Mr. Norishige Kakuno, Executive Engineer, “VerteLith™ delivers advanced features that conventional RIP software does not offer such as avoiding printing jobs incorrectly by displaying a soft proof and ripped image preview, and ink cost calculation before printing.”

“Additionally, while conventional RIP software mainly targets roll media, VerteLith™ is the new all-in-one RIP software covering most features required for roll media printing as well as integrating a jig layout tool to improve usability for UV flatbed printers. It saves a lot of time and effort by enabling auto-image positioning of the printing material on the flatbed table or auto-page layout on each individual jig slot. The jig layout tool is just one example of the new features being offered to improve customer’s efficiency and to develop new markets.”

With the Harlequin Host Renderer MUTOH has experienced significantly improved RIP processing times for both PDF and PostScript® files as well as improved accuracy in printing PDF files with live transparency and spot colors. Features such as soft proof were easy to implement with Harlequin’s in-RIP color management and the ease of use of the Harlequin core technology shortened the development time of new features and functions.

Global Graphics’ Japanese office in Tokyo provided responsive technical support to MUTOH; they worked closely with MUTOH engineers, often with daily contact.

MUTOH expects VerteLith™ to lead to the development of new markets as well as being made available to existing customers. It will drive the VJ-1638UR/UH and the XPJ-461/661UF initially. The VJ-1638UR/UH printer is designed for in-store promotion prints & deco graphics, floor & window graphics, customized structured wallpapers, event banners and exhibition graphics whereas the XPJ-461/661UF produces added value personalized prints and bespoke small-lot production of commercial and industrial print applications such as printing on phone covers, promotional items, small signs, and small series production or prototyping of packaging samples, or decorative tiles.

The Harlequin Host Renderer is a Raster Image Processor, or RIP. A RIP is a tool for converting a page description language such as PostScript or PDF into a format that a printing device such as an inkjet printhead, toner marking engine or laser platesetter can understand. The format that it outputs may be a raster file format such as TIFF™, or it may be a stream of raster data that is delivered more or less directly to the printing device. The exact format delivered may be tuned for each integration.

Ends

About Global Graphics Software

Global Graphics Software www.globalgraphics.com develops innovative core technology for digital print, including the Direct™ product range, the Harlequin RIP®, ScreenPro™, and Mako™. Customers include HP, Canon, Durst, Roland,  Kodak and Agfa. The roots of the company go back to 1986 and to the iconic university town of Cambridge, and, today the majority of the R&D team is still based near here. The US office is in Sarasota, Florida. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics PLC (Euronext: GLOG).

About MUTOH

MUTOH INDUSTRIES LTD. delivers the optimal proposals and maximum value to customers through the activities such as development, manufacturing, sales, supply and maintenance of large-format inkjet printers, 3D printers, Design and measurement equipment and CAD software.


Harlequin Host Renderer, Harlequin, the Harlequin RIP and Advanced Inkjet Screens are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics PLC which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.


Contacts

Jill Taylor, Corporate Communications Director, Global Graphics Software
Jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com | Tel +44 (0)1223 926489
Mobile: +44 (0)7714 410598

Paula Halpin, PR & Marketing Executive, Global Graphics Software
Paula.halpin@globalgraphics.com | Tel: +44 (0)1223 926017