Esko

TLDR

Esko is a Ghent-based multinational technology company providing integrated software and hardware for the packaging, printing, and publishing industries, operating as a subsidiary of Veralto Corporation (NYSE: VLTO).

Overview

Esko was formed in 2001 through the merger of Barco Graphics and Danish company Purup-Eskofot A/S, announced at the Print 01 trade show in Chicago. The combined entity represented over EUR 250 million in annual turnover, with Kirkbi (the Lego family holding company) owning 51% and Barco retaining 49%. The merger was formally completed in January 2002, with the entity officially named Esko-Graphics in April 2002.

In August 2007, Esko merged with Artwork Systems Group, its chief competitor in packaging prepress software, bringing together the two dominant players in the market. Danish private equity firm Axcel acquired Esko in 2005. In January 2011, US industrial conglomerate Danaher acquired 100% of EskoArtwork.

Esko became a subsidiary of Veralto Corporation in 2023 when Danaher spun off Veralto as a standalone public company. Veralto, listed on the NYSE, has annual revenues of approximately $5.5 billion and approximately 17,000 employees globally. Esko's software is used by brand owners, printers, and packaging manufacturers worldwide to design, prepare, and manage packaging and label production.

Funding History

• Acquired by Axcel (Danish PE) in 2005
• Acquired by Danaher (NYSE: DHR) in January 2011
• Became part of Veralto Corporation (NYSE: VLTO) via Danaher spin-off in 2023