Managed Print Services Take Center Stage – September 2016 M&A Activity

HP, the spun-off printer and PC division of the technology powerhouse, doubled down on the small-format distributed printing device market, acquiring Samsung’s printer division. The acquisition is HP’s play to stay dominant in the market for office printing devices, squarely in direct competition with Xerox, Canon, Epson and Brother in the $55 billion market for office printing devices. These machines that can quickly print multiple copies in networked office environments are often installed and maintained by outside service organizations known as Managed Print Service (aka “MPS”) companies. Viewed as distinct from the $80+ billion printing industry, these companies compete on a per-page cost basis, maintaining fleets of multi-function printers installed at their customers’ offices. Known as “MFP” devices, the machines scan, copy, fax, email PDF’s, and yes, also print on paper. For large corporate customers, the MPS companies will retain ownership of the machines and provide onsite staffing to operate and maintain corporate in-house print centers, as well deploy MFP’s distributed throughout the customer’s facility.