Harman acquires Kentmere

HARMAN technology Limited, the company behind ILFORD PHOTO and HARMAN  PHOTO, has announced the addition of Kentmere Photographic Limited to  its business. The move, which comes following a period of extensive  negotiations, is being welcomed as a good thing for the brands  involved as well as for the wider photographic community.

Following the buy-out, HARMAN is keen to stress that the Kentmere  brand will remain relatively unchanged. It will continue to offer the  same resin coated and fibre based monochrome papers and inkjet  products, including Opaljet, whilst employing the same marketing  approach.

In fact, the key difference will be that the Kentmere brand will now  enjoy the benefits of being backed by a larger organisation. In  particular, the brand will have access to the additional expertise  and investment, as well as the established export channels (to  markets such as the United States), to take its success further.

Speaking of the deal, HARMAN’s Chairman and Managing Director, Phil  Harris said: “HARMAN has an acquisitive growth policy and is keen to  be seen as the natural home for high-quality imaging products. We  have bought Kentmere recognising it is a strong brand with a massive  amount of potential and knowing we can add what’s required to help  bring that potential to fruition. Our size, established  infrastructure and ability to invest into the Kentmere brand, will  help to open new doors and opportunities for its products.”

“At the same time, Kentmere will also add an extra dimension to our  business. It will extend our product portfolio and allows us to  target an even wider range of the market.”

“Ultimately, the addition of Kentmere Photographic to the HARMAN  technology fold represents a marriage of ideals, a combining of  strengths and a chance to share knowledge and expertise. All of which  can only be beneficial to customers and the photographic community as  a whole.”

More information on HARMAN technology Limited and the HARMAN PHOTO  range of inkjet products can be found at www.harman-inkjet.com.  Further information on ILFORD PHOTO and its range of monochrome  products can be found at www.ilfordphoto.com.

Additional information about the Kentmere range of products can be  found at www.kentmere.co.uk