Arkitektkopia, a major reprographics firm in Scandanavia, recently changed hands. In the Q&A below, Gunnar Duintjer, CEO and co-owner of the company, answers questions about the change.
Arkitektkopia is one of the largest reprographics firms in Scandanavia. Please describe the firm’s size and market share.
Arkitektkopia started in 1951. Over the years business has grown and new markets has been targeted. A large number of acquisitions of smaller printing companies during the years and also some larger strategic ones have expanded the business. Today we are one of Sweden's top 5 companies in our category when it comes to revenue. As we work in many different markets we have different market shares in the various markets, but we are the leading digital sheetfed print service provider in Sweden.
Please tell me about the new ownership – who acquired the firm?
We are 3 partners who have acquired Arkitektkopia and also another printing company named ABA. It's me and the 2 owners of ABA, Curt Winterstö and Robine Björklund, that have joined forces and created a new corporate group.
Will Arkitektkopia continue as it is, or will it be integrated into another entity?
Both Arkitektkopia and ABA have strong brands and many loyal customers that we cherish. We plan to continue running the companies separately, but will of course review synergies and what we can learn from each other. ABA will also move into Arkitektkopia's premises during the autumn.
What other changes will occur at the firm, either short or long term? Will clients notice any difference?
We will continue with the long-term strategy we have developed for the companies, which includes adaptations to digitization and development of offerings and services. The companies' customers will not notice any immediate change, however, they will in the short term be able to access a wider product range and services and in a slightly longer perspective the companies create, through collaboration, increased opportunities for development and profitability that creates conditions for further acquisitions and business development.
What role will Ulf Grankvist play now, or has he retired?
Ulf is retiring but will certainly continue to follow the company and keep in touch with the company that his family started and ran for 70 years.