Presstek Sells Lasertel

Commentary & Analysis

By Cary Sherburne
Published: November 23, 2009

Reading the Presstek press release about Lasertel brought to mind a few questions. Here they are, and Presstek’s responses are included:

WTT: Over what period of time do you estimate that $2 million in lasers will be consumed?

Presstek: It represents only one type of the MEPS [Editor’s note: Multiple Emitter Package, four beams out of one laser diode package] product, and will last us for several years.

WTT: Will Lasertel continue to be your source of lasers once that supply runs out?

Presstek: We have a two year agreement to buy all of our MEPS product at the same price, and we also look forward to establishing a continuing relationship with them beyond two years for the continued supply of diodes.

WTT: Obviously, the cash is helpful, and Lasertel has already been working with SELEX for some time, with more opportunity in that space than graphic arts. However, Presstek in the past had always stated it was important to control both the media and the imaging system in order to ensure full system compatibility. What assurances are built into the proposed situation that will ensure Presstek is able to continue to meet these objectives?

Presstek: Presstek retains the right to design and use diodes in its products for the graphic arts market, and in addition to Lasertel there are several other manufacturers from which we can source diodes.

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Cary Sherburne is a well-known author, journalist and marketing consultant whose practice is focused on marketing communications strategies for the printing and publishing industries.

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Discussion

By Bob Raus on Nov 25, 2009

This is good news for Presstek and Lasertel because it will enable both to focus on growth by focusing on core capabilities and markets.

By John Henry on Dec 07, 2009

As a Presstek CTP user and QM 46DI user I am happy to see them get out of the pressure of the cashflow short term.

I still have would think real hard on the future of thier products, before buying new. With a tradional press you have many sources for parts and supplies. Presstek DI is pretty much locked in to them for plates and the tech.

I love my D400 but not sure I would buy a newer unit, untill the future becomes clear for Presstek.

I have seen that have shed alot of workers, some good some not so. I also know that with cut backs at Kodak and all others in our industry many top notch people are out in the market.

If I was at Presstek I would be looking to beef my tech surport with some of these people.

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