NEW YORK | New York – September 2024 –Siris (together with its affiliates, including Electronics for Imaging, “Siris”), a leading private equity firm focused on investing and driving value creation in technology companies, today announced the sale of Fiery, LLC (“Fiery”) to global technology leader Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) in a transaction valued at approximately $591 million.
Fiery is a leading provider of digital front end (“DFE”) servers and workflow solutions for the growing industrial and graphic arts print sectors. Utilizing a combination of software and cloud-based technologies, Fiery has a demonstrated track record of delivering fast performance, stunning color and exceptional print quality across a broad range of production printing devices.
Fiery was acquired as part of Siris’ take-private acquisition of EFI in 2019. As part of its value creation strategy, Siris operationalized Fiery as an independent company in order to position it for a strategic exit. The divestiture of Fiery is the second carveout that Siris has completed from the broader EFI portfolio, after previously selling eProductivity Software to Symphony Technology Group, announced in 2022.
“Since our investment in Fiery in 2019, Toby and the team have grown the company’s leadership position in the DFE market, making significant progress expanding the product portfolio and deepening strategic partnerships,” said Frank Baker, a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Siris. “Our partnership with Fiery is a great example of how we partner with management teams to drive value and position companies for continued long-term success. We look forward to seeing how the company continues to thrive with Epson moving forward.”
Mr. Baker added, “Post separation and divestiture of Fiery and eProductivity Software, EFI is now a streamlined, leading provider of industrial inkjet solutions for the display graphics, packaging and textiles industries with a broad range of printers, inks and service capabilities. We will continue to support EFI as it drives the exciting digital printing transition across a broad range of industrial end markets globally.”
“With Siris’ partnership and investment, we successfully raised the standards of digital printing excellence across a diverse range of operating segments,” said Toby Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Fiery. “We are thrilled to embark on our next phase of growth alongside Epson, as we continue to provide our customers with dynamic solutions for their digital printing needs.”
The transaction is expected to close within 2024, subject to customary closing conditions including required regulatory approvals. Upon transaction close, Fiery will become part of the Epson group, retain its current name and organizational structure and continue to operate from its existing offices.
DC Advisory and UBS Investment Bank acted as exclusive financial advisors to EFI in connection with the sale of its interests in Fiery, LLC to Seiko Epson Corporation. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to Siris.
Editor’s Note: Siris acquired EFI in 2019 for $1.7 billion and has since divested two key assets: eProductivity Software (sale price undisclosed) and Fiery (sold for $591 million). Given these strategic moves, it’s anticipated that Siris will either merge EFI (Agfa?) with another company or sell it entirely in the near future.
www.siris.com – www.epson.com
Mr. Baker added, “Post separation and divestiture of Fiery and eProductivity Software, EFI is now a streamlined, leading provider of industrial inkjet solutions for the display graphics, packaging and textiles industries with a broad range of printers, inks and service capabilities. We will continue to support EFI as it drives the exciting digital printing transition across a broad range of industrial end markets globally.”
“With Siris’ partnership and investment, we successfully raised the standards of digital printing excellence across a diverse range of operating segments,” said Toby Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Fiery. “We are thrilled to embark on our next phase of growth alongside Epson, as we continue to provide our customers with dynamic solutions for their digital printing needs.”
The transaction is expected to close within 2024, subject to customary closing conditions including required regulatory approvals. Upon transaction close, Fiery will become part of the Epson group, retain its current name and organizational structure and continue to operate from its existing offices.
DC Advisory and UBS Investment Bank acted as exclusive financial advisors to EFI in connection with the sale of its interests in Fiery, LLC to Seiko Epson Corporation. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to Siris.
