Leeds packaging management firm sold to US market labelling leader

Gap Systems, the packaging management specialist, has been acquired by US-based Loftware.

Gap Systems, headquartered in Leeds, was advised in the sale by Paul Berwin and Mike Patterson of law firm Berwins and by Martin Holden, Sally Thomas and Justine Stalker of the Harrogate office of UK chartered accountants, Saffery Champness.

Loftware is the global market leader in Enterprise Labelling Solutions and boasts more than 5,000 customers in over 100 countries.

The acquisition of Gap Systems, which specialises in the management of complex product packaging projects with its Smartflow product, means that Loftware is now placed to address the full spectrum of enterprise labelling and packaging artwork requirements for industries such as those focusing on pharmaceutical, manufacturing and retail goods.

Paul Goldberg, founder and CEO of Gap Systems, said: “The acquisition brings together two truly complementary solutions which will provide customers with a complete range of capabilities in one scalable, highly configurable package.

“We’re excited to be part of a development which will allow organisations to manage content used for both labelling and packaging with an advanced yet easy-to-use workflow.”

Paul Berwin, Berwins’ senior partner, added: “This is great news for our region, seeing as it does a Yorkshire born technology solution forming an integral part of a world leading offering. This really highlights the vibrancy and innovation which can be found within the technology industry in the north of England.”

Martin Holden of Saffery Champness also commented: “We have enjoyed working alongside the management team at Gap Systems to assist in a deal that will see Yorkshire manufacturing innovation prosper on a global stage.”

Loftware was represented by Stevens & Bolton (Guildford) and Choate Hall & Stewart (Boston Massachusetts).