Authentix Buys Royal Joh Enschedé

Authentix has announced that it has acquired Netherlands-based Royal Joh Enschedé, a leading specialty printing and security solutions provider, from investment firm Nimbus.

Founded in 1703, Royal Joh Enschedé developed from a small book printer to an international security printing organisation producing banknotes, government documents, postage and tax stamps and brand protection solutions. It was acquired by the private equity firm Nimbus from the Enschedé family in 2014, and exited banknote printing in 2017.

The company since then has been a frontrunner in the digital-physical cross-over technological transition, with its portfolio including stamps, visas, tax labels and cryptocurrencies.

US-based Authentix is a developer of covert marking systems, detectors and related management systems for a wide range of applications, including fuel marking, revenue collection, brand protection and currency. It first secured a foothold in physical document production with the acquisition of UK-based Security Print Solutions in 2019.

'This strategic acquisition expands our portfolio and capabilities in high security printing technologies to support Authentix's ongoing growth in programmes for governments, central banks, and commercial brand owners,' stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding that 'the combination of experience, craftmanship, design innovation and production techniques that Joh Enschedé brings to Authentix fits perfectly with our current strategic growth strategy'.

Gelmer Leibbrandt, CEO for Joh Enschedé, added: 'we are extremely excited to become part of the highly talented and experienced team at Authentix. We feel the combination of the two companies' approach to quality and innovation enables ample opportunities to provide our customers with the most advanced security print solutions in the industry'.

According to its new owner, Royal Joh Enschedé will remain a standalone operating entity, but will integrate within the Authentix group of companies to further grow its market share and collective set of strategic offerings leveraging the larger Authentix sales platform.