PrePRESS Solutions, Monotype in agreement

LAS VEGAS -- How many platesetter and imagesetter models does one company need to sell?

That's a question on many minds following the naming of Monotype Systems Inc. of Rolling Meadows, Ill., as sales and support agent for Prepress Solutions Inc. of Billerica, Mass.

The answer to that question comes straight from Monotype's web site: a stunning 44. A quick look at all the models and brands -- Panther, Mako, Futuro -- makes it obvious Monotype now sells an output device in nearly every price range.

Monotype, which is owned by a group of Swiss investors that goes under the name IPA Group and also owns Freedom System Integrators of Wichita, Kan., and Scangraphic of Germany (see The Cole Papers, January 1996), acquired a "strategic interest" in Prepress in April. Shortly thereafter, Prepress entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and longtime president Robert Trenkamp was replaced by Steve Lane, a turnaround specialist.

In May, with the permission of the Chapter 11 creditors committee, Prepress named Monotype as its exclusive sales, marketing and support agent. In early June, Lane secured a line of credit from Greyrock Capital, and here at NEXPO '99, Prepress products were shown in the Monotype booth.

It's obvious that the number of output products Monotype offers will decrease. Time will tell whether the Monotype NewsJet CTP or the Panther Fastrak will sell better.

Monotype Systems Inc., (847) 427-8800, e-mail: sales@monoexpress.com; PrePRESS Solutions, (978) 262-8900, e-mail: info@prepress.pps.com.

-- G.P.

See also Installs at national papers gets CTP up and running

From THE COLE PAPERS, July 1999, Copyright © 1999, All Rights Reserved.