The European Commission and US authorities announced approval of the proposed acquisition of America-owned Flink Ink by Stuttgart, Germany-based XSYS Print Solutions and the subsequent merger of the two companies. XSYS is majority-owned by funds managed and advised by the European private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The proposed transaction reportedly will not impede effective competition in the European Union or North America.

The acquisition and merger will create a group that will rank among the largest ink companies in every region it serves, with 8000 employees and combined revenues of approximately US $2.6 billion, based on 2004 figures. The new company will be co-owned by CVC funds and the company