X-Rite a provider of color management solutions has announced plans to acquire Pantone for $180 million. The deal is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals. Once the deal is closed, Pantone will operate as business unit within X-Rite.

After X-Rite acquired Amazys Holding AG, the parent company of GretagMacbeth in January 2006 the company, arguably, became the global leader in the color industry. With this latest move, X-Rite is expanding its solutions aimed at making color communication more accurate, efficient, and repeatable.

"Pantone is a perfect complement to X-Rite. X-Rite's strengths in technology, innovation and its global presence will help Pantone develop and innovate faster and better." Will Holland, vice president of corporate marketing at X-Rite told PrintCEO blog this evening. Pantone he said, "brings a strong brand, connection to the design community and marketing expertise. Together we will be able to help customers solve their color problems from start to finish—and hopefully together reinvent the way color is chosen, communicated and reproduced."

More details on the acquisition can be found in X-Rite's press release on WhatTheyThink.com.