Müller Martini is strengthening its position in perfect and bookbinding markets as it helps Kolbus focus on packaging.

The two companies have announced that Swiss family business Müller Martini will acquire the perfect binding and bookline business of 243-year-old German machine maker Kolbus.

Included is service and spare parts for the worldwide Kolbus bookbinding systems installed base. Meanwhile, Kolbus will focus on packaging and case making equipment, making parts and foundry operation.

Müller Martini chief executive Bruno Müller says the changed graphic arts industry has become smaller and more versatile. Combining personnel, know-how, technology and infrastructure of the two companies "secures the future of the softcover and hardcover business of both the customers and the two machine manufacturers."

The Kolbus bookbinding business becomes Müller Martini Buchbinde-Systeme with about 250 existing staff remaining at the Rahden factory under chief executive Kai Büntemeyer. Some 900 employees are retained at Kolbus.

Kolbus took over the Timsons T-Fold line in 2015 when that maker went into voluntary liquidation, and became a partner in a new business to continue manufacturing its book press. The previous year, Müller Martini had consolidated its position in the market with the acquisition of Heidelberg's saddlestitching and adhesive binding products service and parts business.