LANGENHAGEN, Germany, November 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH has lately signed an agreement to acquire Charterhouse PM Limited, a leading European marketing services production company. Subject to merger control clearance the acquisition should become effective prior to the end of 2012.

The envisaged acquisition of Charterhouse is part of Konica Minolta's future strategy to invest in Print Management Services. Thinking "Beyond Printing", technology leader Konica Minolta will combine Print Management Services (PMS) with Marketing Management Services (MMS), as well as Optimized Print Services (OPS) with Business Process Consulting (BPC). Both will be connected and supported by Konica Minolta's customer relationship management and different opportunities in document workflow solutions. With this concept, Konica Minolta will expand the service portfolio for customers' printing demands and lead the digital shift in the commercial printing industry.

Charterhouse PM Limited is a UK-based company providing outsourced marketing production and management services to global brands across 35 European markets from 21 locations, including its European HQ in Paris and its London-based digital production unit.

Ranked 38 in the Sunday Times 2012 International Track 200, Charterhouse has achieved significant growth in recent years driven by geographic expansion, major European contract wins and growing demand for multichannel marketing services.

With deep expertise across print and digital marketing production, Charterhouse is well placed to capitalise on the growing outsourced production market, as clients look for greater efficiency, quality and consistency from their marketing.

Gary Mahoney, CEO, Charterhouse said: "Our clients are looking for global capability and with the support of Konica Minolta, Charterhouse will become truly a global business. With its strength in Asia and America, Konica Minolta gives us a global footprint and provides the financial resources to continue expanding our business and supporting leading brands with cutting edge communications."

Ken Osuga, President of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH said: "This strategic investment will significantly extend the range of print and outsourced marketing management capabilities we can offer our clients. Charterhouse has an impressive track record in this area, working with many of the world's biggest brands. We look forward to supporting the leadership team as they pursue global growth."    

The existing Charterhouse management team will lead the business, which will continue operating as Charterhouse through its current headquarters and network of offices.

    Company name                Charterhouse PM Limited

    Headquarters                Hatfield, UK

    Turnover                    approx. 100 million GBP

    Employees                   Charterhouse has more than 240
                                employees based across 21 European
                                countries.    Businesses                  Print Management, Digital Marketing
                                Production, Studio Services, Data
                                Management, Permanent POS and
                                Promotional Merchandise.

Contact Konica Minolta
Olaf Lorenz
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH
Phone: +49(0)511-7404-378
Olaf.Lorenz@konicaminolta.eu

Tanja Johannsen
CrossPR
Phone: +49(0)172-52-31-699
johannsen@crosspr.de

Contact Charterhouse
Claire Mason, Toby Brown or Clare Granville at Man Bites Dog
Phone: +44(0)1273-716-820
teamcharterhouse@manbitesdog.com

For more information please click here: http://www.konicaminolta.eu/press