GERMANY— German antitrust authorities have decided to block the planned takeover of the MBO Group by Heidelberger. After a lengthy investigation the German Federal Cartel Office has announced its decision to block the planned takeover because it would have given Heidelberg a dominant market position. The two companies will continue as independent entities as a result.  Heidelberg publicly announced its intention to take over the MBO Group and concluded an agreement with the owning family back in October 2018. Heidelberg has said they will continue to pursue further developing postpress,  the positioning of the Stahlfolder TH / KH series folding machines, especially the patented high-performance P-class.
MBO, which also owns Herzog + Heymann, said it would continue to focus on folding equipment, and in particular pharmaceutical folding and digital printing applications. MBO Group chief executive Thomas Heininger said "defying the general market trends, the group has grown in 2018 and we can also report a positive earnings development.”