GENT , BELGIUM—  Esko has announced the acquisition of BLUE Software, a label and artwork management software company based in Chicago from Diversis Capital and Schawk Digital Solutions. This  acquisition adds to Esko’s set of tools  to  automate and connect the packaging development and production workflow, from virtualized 3D design concepts all the way to printed, finished packs, in-store displays and e-commerce imagery and content. Combining BLUE’s label and artwork management software with the Esko product portfolio supports and manages the packaging and print processes for brand owners, retailers, designers, premedia and trade shops, packaging manufacturers, and converters.Esko solutions are used in packaging management, asset management, artwork creation, structural design, prepress, 3D visualization, flexo plate making, workflow automation, quality assurance, sample-making, palletization, supply chain collaboration and/or the production of signage and displays.