Print Software And Hardware Firms Amalgamate

Newcastle Computer Systems plc (NCS) yesterday confirmed its acquisition of Turning Point Technologies (TPT), a subsidiary of the international pre-media services group TAG Worldwide.

Newcastle Computer Systems plc (NCS) yesterday confirmed its acquisition of Turning Point Technologies (TPT), a subsidiary of the international pre-media services group TAG Worldwide.

The amalgamation of the two companies is claimed to create the UK's largest independent graphic arts supplier and system integrator with a combined turnover in the region of GBP20m.

According to TPT in London there is a high level of synergy between it and NCS, in Newcastle.

The companies have been working together successfully to provide regional sales and support to customers for the past eight years, added TPT.

With 43 years of experience between them, both companies believe they offer a complementary range of software and hardware products to the UK graphic arts market and both provide consultation, integration, maintenance, training and support services.

TPT said that the expertise of both companies, which also includes customisation and bespoke programming, has attracted a significant client that include AGI Group, BBC Worldwide, Christies, Communisis, Euro RSCG, Findel Group, Nestle, News International, Prinovis, St Ives and TAG.

NCS employs 50 staff and has a current turnover of GBP14m, whilst TPT employs 25 staff and turns over GBP6m.

The companies believe their amalgamation is a natural evolution of their close association and creates a single nationwide organisation with an experienced and efficient sales and support network.

Software applications sold, integrated and supported by the two companies include Xinet asset management, Dalim Software workflow and remote and soft proofing, Group Logic secure file transfer, ICC profile management, Press Sense e-procurement, web to print and variable data systems, GMG digital proofing, Screen and Luescher B3, B2, B1 and VLF CTP and Luescher, Durst and Mimaki large format devices.

They also provide Screen Truepress 344 digital offset presses and Xerox Docucolor digital printers.

The new company is called Turning Point and will be based at NCS's existing premises in Newcastle, whilst TPT's sales and demonstration facilities remain in the south of England.

Roger Stockdale, previously managing director of NCS, becomes MD of the new company.

Tony Newton becomes operations director, whilst Steve Emerson, previously TPT's managing director, becomes sales and marketing director, and Richard Bates becomes sales director.

Steve Parish, chief executive officer of TAG Worldwide, commented: "The industry now has a credible alternative to single-brand manufacturers.

This agreement has created an independent, proven and nationwide supplier that provides a wide choice of expert products and integrates and customises them in to powerful and streamlined bespoke systems for agencies, pre-media firms, printers, print management companies, publishers, brand owners and inplant operations." The company's clients, especially those with multiple sites throughout the UK, have welcomed the creation of a new national service and support organisation for both software and hardware, said the company.

Roger Stockdale added: "The creation of Turning Point is welcomed by our existing product suppliers and our customers, especially those with multiple sites throughout the UK.

In addition, we are also a very attractive national sales and service organisation to other overseas manufacturers looking to introduce their products in to the UK market.

We are already in discussions with several key suppliers and expect to announce distribution agreements for new products shortly." And Steve Emerson explained: "This is a extremely exciting development.

By joining our two very strong and compatible companies we have created an impressive organisation with huge potential for future expansion, not only within the digital graphic arts arena, but also in to new media sectors and overseas.".

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