Grapo Technologies Sells to Benson Oak

Grapo Technologies of Olomouc, Czech Republic has been purchased by Benson Oak Capital (BOC) who intends to invest CZK 100 million in the company. Benson Oak is based in Prague, investing primarily in Central and Eastern Europe.

The acquisition, whose financial details have not been disclosed, is part of Benson’s overall strategy of finding and capitalizing special investment opportunities in Czech and Slovak companies.

Grapo Technologies a.s. (www.grapo.com)
Grapo is a Czech company based in Olomouc, that manufactures printing machines and related products such as roller tables, pressure rollers, and take-up systems. The company also is heavily involved in the advertising industry as well as developing digital print and compact materials technology. Grapo employs 97 full-time employees while maintaining strong relationships with distributors who provide technical support to purchasers of Grapo’s products worldwide.

Established in 1999, Grapo Technologies rose as a partner to ‘Radim Králík Grapo’ which had been operating as an advertising firm since 1994. Radim built the company’s first printing press for its own use, but after strong customer support decided the separate company was needed to manufacture the printers. The two companies continue their close relationship today and are leading the way for digital UV printing in the Czech Republic.

Benson Oak Capital (www.bensonoak.com)
Benson Oak is a Prague-based investment banking firm established in 1991. The company specializes in assisting clients with equity capital and executing mergers and acquisitions. Benson Oak advises in risk management, project financing and privatization. The firm works in the Czech and Slovak regions with both multinationals and small-to-medium companies.

Its private equity arm, Benson Oak Capital, provides equity financing for buyouts, expansion capital, and special opportunities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Benson Oak Capital has made investments since 2001.