Thursday, 22 Sep 2016 10:20 GMT

HP-Samsung deal ‘evolutionary’ for the industry

HP’s acquisition of Samsung’s printer business has been hailed as “evolutionary” and “transformative” for the global industry, according to a study by marketing intelligence and strategic consulting firm Photizo Group.

Earlier this month, HP agreed a deal worth $1.05bn (£802.8m) to take ownership of the business, in a move that the manufacturer said will allow it to, “disrupt and reinvent” the worldwide copier industry, which is valued at $55bn.

The acquisition represents the largest in the history of HP, with the deal set to not only accelerate growth opportunities in the copier segment, but also bolster its laser print portfolio—established with Canon—and pave the way for future innovation.

The industry seems to have responded well to the deal, with the Photizo report showing that 37 percent of respondents rating the acquisition as ‘transformative’ to the global market, and 36 percent billing it as ‘evolutionary’.

A further 15 percent went as far as saying the acquisition is ‘revolutionary’ for the worldwide print industry, with just 12 percent saying it will not have much of an impact, expecting ‘business as usual’.



Ron Iverson, vice-president of market intelligence services for Photizo, says: “Clearly this poll reflects the significance of the acquisition; HP’s acquisition of core laser technology from Samsung fundamentally changes the balance of power in the HP and Canon relationship—one of the longest lasting and most symbiotic relationships in the imaging industry.”

Samsung’s printer business holds more than 6,500 print patents and also boasts a workforce of almost 1,300 researchers and engineers, each offering expertise in laser printer technology, imaging electronics, and printer supplies and accessories to support continued innovation in print market solutions.

Speaking at the time of the deal, Dion Weisler, president at chief executive of HP, said: “The acquisition of Samsung’s printer business allows us to deliver print innovation and create entirely new business opportunities with far better efficiency, security, and economics for customers.”