Remember when EFI – named for former Scitex boss Afi Arazi – made RIPs and Agfa made… cameras and film? Well now they both make digital printers, EFI following its acquisitions opf Vutek, Jetrion and Reggiani Macchine.

This week the two announced a merger of their inkjet businesses, with an affiliate of equity investor Siris (which now owns EFI) holding 60 per cent. The deal follows a 2024 global partnership between the two companies.

Now they say their combined global service network will help them expand on a broader base spanning print engines, inks, software and workflow, “shortening the path from development to production for customers”.

EFI’s focus is industrial inkjet, especially single pass for corrugated, roll-to-roll, hybrid and textile, while Agfa DPS’ “distinct strengths” are in display graphics, décor and packaging applications. Together they expect to generate approximately 540 million Euros (A$875 million) of revenue in 2026.

Agfa-Gevaert chief executive Pascal Juéry says the move reflects a long-term commitment to digital printing: “By bringing together Agfa DPS and EFI, we are creating a stronger business with greater scale, broader access and enhanced innovation capabilities,” he said. Partnering with Siris would unlock “the next phase of accelerated growth” for Agfa DPS business while maintaining a meaningful upside for stakeholders.”

EFI is best known for the revolutionary Fiery colour server (1991), and 2001 acquisition of Printcafé; it was acquired by Siris Capital Group for US$1.7 billion in 2019. Agfa’s offset plates business was spun off as ECO3 following its sale to private equity firm Aurelius. Agfa-Gevaert is currently restructuring its business segments into three areas, (HealthCare IT, industrial solutions, and imaging & chemicals).