DataLase regains independence through MBO

A management team has acquired UK photonic print technology DataLase after four years in SATO group.

A management team has bought UK technology company Datalase after Japanese owner SATO decided to focus on its Auto ID solutions business.

The move comes just four years after SATO bought the Cheshire business, that coming after a Drupa appearance that had sparked huge interest in the company’s photonics printing technology. This is a no contact print system where a tuned laser activates a clear coating to produce a black image.

This is currently used for marking packaging with use by dates and barcodes for product identification and tracking. Among UK users is DS Smith both in flexible packaging and carton plants. At Drupa, DataLase had shown the potential for the technology in applying a promotional message and to improvement management of multiple SKUs through using DataLase to print over a standard background at the point of packing or filling.

There was also talk about being able to offer colour versions of the technology, as well as partnerships announced with Ricoh, Xerox and Sun Chemical. These disappeared with the acquisition by SATO at the end of 2016 with interest in the potential of the technology in applying unique identification codes to products at high speed.

However, SATO wants to press ahead in its own direction while DataLase has been intent on pushing the photonics printing technology forwards. “Recognising these differing objectives, the two sides were able to come to an agreement on the transfer of shares,” says a joint statement on the deal.

Clare Lewis, previously COO and CFO, with chief sales and marketing officer Paul Dustain and CTO Ally Grant are now the major shareholders, with Lewis now becoming CEO. She says: “With an excellent understanding of the business and an appreciation of its future direction, the management team can now continue on the path of new product commercialisation and growing the legacy business. This new era of independence will allow us to become more dynamic and agile in our approach and, with some exciting new developments on the horizon, we look forward to unlocking further commercial success for DataLase.”