The Belgian printing company Artoos, based in Kampenhout, has been declared bankrupt by the Brussels Commercial Court. Graphius Group is taking over its operations, which will be integrated into Antilope De Bie, based in Duffel, while the Artoos brand will be retained. The group, which generates 130 million euros in revenue and employs 620 people across nine locations in Europe, is offering to transfer 31 of the 90 employees.
According to the BBTK and ACVBIE unions, Artoos' bankruptcy comes as no surprise. The company had been struggling following the loss of a major client last year.
"For our clients, very little will change: they will continue to work with the same people and receive the same service and expertise, "Leen Artoos, CEO of Artoos, said in a press release announcing the acquisition," . At the same time, they will have access to Graphius Group's wide range of capabilities. I look forward to continuing to work together to develop sustainable solutions for our clients."
This integration allows clients to benefit from Artoos?s experience in communications for government agencies. The printing company has gradually expanded its expertise to offer?in addition to production?layout design, mailing management, and logistics solutions.
Bart De Bie, CEO of Antilope De Bie, which currently has about 100 employees, believes that its operations are "perfectly complementary" that of his printing shop.
Artoos also includes Mooose, an online marketing platform that enables organizations to manage, customize, and distribute print and digital communications to multiple users and locations. "This solution aligns perfectly with Graphius Group's goal of offering integrated communication solutions, both offline and online," the Belgian group says.
"With Artoos, we are welcoming a strong and complementary partner that is perfectly aligned with our vision. Its expertise in communications for government agencies, marketing printing, and the Mooose platform significantly enriches our offerings," sums up Denis Geers, CEO of Graphius Group.
