Koenig & Bauer Aims for Growth as Printing Rivals Struggle

Koenig & Bauer AG, Germany’s second- largest maker of printing machines, said it aims to increase sales and profit next year as rivals struggle. Revenue and new orders will “grow moderately” in 2012, CEO Claus Bolza-Schuenemann said at a press conference in Frankfurt today. Earnings will rise only “slightly” as pricing pressure persists.

The IG Metall labor union said yesterday that politicians should be willing to provide an “integrated concept” for the printing industry. Bolza-Schuenemann said he was skeptical of a state role.

“Government aid for rivals in insolvency would threaten jobs at Koenig & Bauer,” the CEO said.