PRESS ROOM STORY
HARMAN TECHNOLOGY ACQUIRES KENTMERE PHOTOGRAPHIC LIMITED
15th October 2007
HARMAN TECHNOLOGY ACQUIRES KENTMERE PHOTOGRAPHIC LIMITED
Leading imaging specialist extends its business portfolio.
Leading UK based manufacturer of photography products and inkjet papers, HARMAN technology Limited, has extended its business portfolio with the acquisition of Kentmere Photographic. The move will see Kentmere joining HARMAN’s two other highly successful brands – ILFORD PHOTO and HARMAN PHOTO.
HARMAN initiated the deal as part of its acquisitive growth strategy and in-line with its commitment to being seen as the natural home for high-quality imaging products. Kentmere’s directors meanwhile cited a desire to concentrate on their core and more extensive activities in print and packaging as the main reason for the sale. This side of Kentmere’s business remains totally unaffected by the buy-out.
Following the acquisition, HARMAN has also stressed that the Kentmere brand will continue to offer the same product range with the same marketing approach. It will however enjoy the benefits of being backed by a larger organisation. These benefits include access to the expertise and additional investment, as well as the established export channels (to markets such as the United States), to take its success further.
Speaking of the deal, HARMAN’s Chairman and Managing Director, Phil Harris, said: “HARMAN technology is committed to growth and to extending its portfolio both organically and through acquisition. We have bought Kentmere recognising it is a strong brand with a massive amount of potential and knowing we can add what’s required to help bring that potential to fruition. Our size, established infrastructure and ability to invest into the Kentmere brand will help to open new doors and opportunities for its products.”
“At the same time, Kentmere will also add an extra dimension to our business. It will extend our product ranges and allows us to target an even wider cross-section of the market.”
“Ultimately, the addition of Kentmere Photographic to the HARMAN technology fold represents a marriage of ideals, a combining of strengths and a chance to share knowledge and expertise. All of which can only be beneficial to all the brands involved.”
More information on HARMAN technology Limited and the HARMAN PHOTO range of inkjet products can be found at www.harman-inkjet.com. Further information on ILFORD PHOTO and its range of monochrome products can be found at www.ilfordphoto.com.
Additional information about the Kentmere range of products can be found at www.kentmere.co.uk
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NOTES TO EDITORS –
HARMAN technology Limited is a pioneering professional imaging specialist based in Mobberley, Cheshire. The company is renowned for manufacturing ILFORD PHOTO traditional monochrome photographic products and announced the launch of its innovative HARMAN PHOTO inkjet media range - suitable for both colour and monochrome photography - in August 2006. The first HARMAN PHOTO products became available in the UK and USA in February 2007.
The ILFORD range of photographic inkjet products, including ‘ILFORD Galerie’ inkjet media, is not manufactured or marketed by HARMAN technology and is a separate business based in Switzerland.
www.harmantechnology.com // www.harman-inkjet.com // www.ilfordphoto.com
For more information on this story, please contact Wayne Mohammed at Manifest Communications on
01484 469601 or email wayne@manifestcomms.co.uk