Xerox Continues to Exit Paper Business

Xerox has said its strategy is to focus on its core businesses – office and production print, and IT services – and that’s meant exiting from various businesses like 3D print. To that end, it’s also exiting the paper business, with global paper distributor Antalis reporting that it’s signed an agreement to acquire Xerox’s EMEA (Europe, Middle-East, and Africa) paper business and strengthens its position as a major player in the distribution of papers in Europe, Africa and India. 

Antalis has signed a binding agreement to acquire the assets of Xerox’s EMEA paper business, becoming the sole distributor of Xerox paper in these regions. Xerox distributes office paper and digital printing products in more than 40 countries in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, India, and Africa.

Following the acquisition of Xerox’s paper business in Western Europe in 2013, Antalis becomes the sole distributor of Xerox paper in EMEA.

Already well established in Europe, Antalis continues to expand its distribution in Europe, Africa and India. This acquisition will enable Antalis to strengthen its position in the office paper market and the fast-growing digital printing market, expand its customer base, offer its customers a wider range of complementary products, strengthen its strategic partnerships with suppliers and improve its operational efficiency and profitability

The agreement includes exclusive marketing and distribution rights for Xerox-branded paper and digital printing media in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle-East, India, and Africa.

“While our strategy remains focused on development in fast-growing countries and high-potential markets, such as the packaging market, we have always reiterated our need to participate in the consolidation of the paper distribution business. It is crucial for us to maintain a strong position in our markets and improve the profitability of our office paper activities,” commented Hervé Poncin, CEO of Antalis.

“As Xerox continues its reinvention, this transaction allows the company to align its resources with the needs of today’s economic buyers and focus its efforts on providing the most innovative services and solutions to its customers,” commented David Dyas, president of Xerox Global Distribution. “We thank our dedicated Xerox employees for their dedication and hard work over the past years and look forward to their continued success.”

The transaction is subject to other customary closing conditions and approval by competition authorities in certain jurisdictions.