May 29, 2003 -- Koenig & Bauer has acquired a 100% stake in Bauer + Kunzi Gesellschaft für Drucktechnik mbH in Ditzingen, near Stuttgart, for an undisclosed sum. Bauer + Kunzi, a globally active enterprise employing 45 people, generates annual sales of around €20m manufacturing high-quality metal-decorating presses, primarily for the food industry. Pending official approval the acquisition will add a niche capability to KBA’s strong position in medium- and large-format sheetfed offset presses for printing plain and corrugated carton. One of the growth sectors within the print media market, packaging is much less cyclical than advertising or commercial printing. KBA’s engagement in the metal packaging sector was previously indirect, via a long-standing business association with Bauer +Kunzi.