Monotype Imaging Acquires Linotype
WOBURN, MA—Aug. 2, 2006—Monotype Imaging Inc., a global leader in font and imaging technologies, has acquired Linotype GmbH, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG and home of the renowned Linotype Library of typefaces. The collection includes some of the most popular and time-honored designs such as the Helvetica, Frutiger and Optima typefaces. Linotype and its employees will remain based in Bad Homburg, Germany, and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Monotype Imaging.
Together, the companies aim to fulfill the increasingly sophisticated font requirements of consumer electronics markets such as the mobile phone segment, where the number of mobile subscribers increased more than 25 percent in 2005 to more than two billion people, according to Informa Telecoms & Media.
“It’s our vision to improve global communications through type,” said Robert M. Givens, president and chief executive officer of Monotype Imaging. “Wherever our customers want to communicate, whether on mobile devices, digital cameras, computers, on television or in print, our fonts and technology enable type to be displayed at high quality in any language.
“We’ve worked with Linotype for years, and we have developed an appreciation and respect for the esteemed reputation of the Linotype company, a valuable asset we intend to protect and enhance. In addition to its impressive heritage and current typographic innovations, Linotype has a proven expert management team with values and standards we share. Our passions and our visions are both aligned and enhanced by our partnership. When the opportunity to combine our companies was presented, it was a natural fit.”
Linotype will continue as Linotype GmbH under the leadership of Bruno Steinert, managing director, who gave his perspective on the acquisition: “It’s a new era for the font industry, and the strong legacy of Linotype’s values will live on and gain strength with this move. Our corporate identity will not change and our customers can be assured Linotype will continue to produce superior quality typefaces, products and services, consistent with our tradition of design excellence.”
