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Print Giants to Unite as Xerox Announces $1.5B Lexmark Deal

Written by Anne Valaitis | Dec 23, 2024 12:00:00 AM

 

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In a significant move announced today, Xerox has announced its intention to acquire its long-time partner and supplier Lexmark International for $1.5 billion from Ninestar—bringing together two long-standing names in the print industry and returning Lexmark to US ownership after nearly eight years of Chinese control.

 

The combination addresses a critical manufacturing gap created by Xerox’s 2021 split from its 59-year Fuji Xerox partnership. Beyond strengthening an existing supply relationship, Xerox gains Lexmark’s established indirect channel network across Asia and Europe—regions where Xerox's reach was diminished after the Fujifilm separation. This move complements both companies’ robust direct sales operations and global managed print services (MPS) businesses serving Fortune 1000 clients. For Lexmark, US ownership unlocks opportunities in security-sensitive sectors like government and healthcare, where Chinese ownership had previously limited growth. The combined entity leverages Lexmark’s strong vertical presence in healthcare and retail with Xerox’s broader enterprise reach.

 

What makes Lexmark particularly attractive for Xerox starts with the former’s hardware strengths. In the 2021 sale of its stake in the Fuji-Xerox joint venture, Xerox essentially shed its manufacturing capabilities and has been relying on contract manufacturers—namely Fujifilm and Lexmark—for Xerox-branded print hardware. Lexmark has maintained a dominant position in the A4 printer market, particularly in enterprise and small to medium-sized business (SMB) segment, with a reputation for reliability and cost-effective operations. Earlier this year, Lexmark made a strategic entry into the A3 market with the 9-Series. The first wave (launched in mid-2024) includes the CX963, CX962, CX961, CS963, and CX833, with the CX951, CX950, and MX953 scheduled for early 2025. These devices were built by scaling up Lexmark’s A4 technology, focusing on versatility, simplicity, and sustainability—with notable features including SRA3 support, high-duty cycles, and modular paper handling options.

 

On the technology front, Lexmark has developed an impressive array of software and “Internet of Things” (IoT) solutions that transform traditional printing devices into intelligent endpoints. Its Cloud Bridge platform enables remote device management and predictive maintenance, while the Optra IoT platform provides advanced analytics and device intelligence. The Optra Edge solution takes this further by enabling edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) processing directly on printing devices—a significant differentiator in the market.

 

The company has also made substantial investments in vertical-specific solutions. In healthcare, Lexmark’s solutions integrate with major electronic medical record systems and help automate clinical document workflows while ensuring HIPAA compliance. In financial services, its technology helps automate document-intensive processes like loan origination and account opening, while maintaining strict security and compliance standards. In retail, Lexmark’s solutions manage everything from shelf-edge labels to supply chain documentation.

 

Keypoint Intelligence Opinion

This acquisition, coupled with Xerox’s recent October 2024 purchase of IT solutions provider ITSavvy for $400 million, indicates a dual strategy of expanding its traditional printing business and IT services capabilities. The significant drop in acquisition price from Lexmark’s previous transactions reflects industry challenges and the strategic necessity of the sale for its Chinese owners amid growing global tensions.

 

Looking ahead, the combined company faces opportunities and challenges. The deal brings together Xerox’s enterprise reach with Lexmark’s vertical expertise and IoT innovations—potentially creating a more formidable competitor in the digital workplace solutions market. While the reduced dividend announced by Xerox may concern some investors, it reflects a pragmatic approach to managing the $1.5B acquisition cost while maintaining investment in innovation. Success will ultimately hinge on execution: Effectively integrating two distinct corporate cultures, preserving key talent, and accelerating joint technology development to capture enterprise digital transformation opportunities.

 

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