Kodak to Acquire Design2Launch

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Kodak plans to acquire Design2Launch (D2L), developer of a collaborative end-to-end digital workflow solution for marketing and creative teams in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, automotive, and consumer package marketplaces. D2L is a proven player in the rapidly expanding corporate solutions software market and is a pioneer of “Graphic Lifecycle Management.”

The D2L System is a suite of integrated modules created to save time and money at every step of the graphics creation process, from project initiation, collaboration and revision to approval and production. D2L, a privately held company formed in 2000, is based in Stamford, Conn.

“Kodak’s strength in workflow is one of our greatest competitive assets, and we are committed to investing in and growing our capabilities to better serve our customers,” said Philip J. Faraci, president and COO, Eastman Kodak Company. “D2L is a proven player in the rapidly expanding corporate solutions software market and, when completed, this acquisition will enable us to broaden our portfolio of solutions and open new markets within the changing graphic communications marketplace.”

Designed for marketing, creative, advertising, production, research and development, legal, and packaging professionals, major modules of D2L include:

• Visual Asset Manager (VAM), a browser based, comprehensive digital asset management system that supports all types of digital files, managing both works in progress and finalized branded assets;
• Dynamic Digital Workflow, an easy to configure, rules-based system that supports both template and ad hoc workflows;
• Routing & Collaboration, a tool for routing and tracking all annotations, reviews, and approvals;
• Soft Proofing, based on KODAK MATCHPRINT Virtual Proofing Software for color-managed remote proofing
• File Transfer Manager, to help users distribute large files between remote locations quickly, securely, and efficiently;
• Project Management and Tracking, which provides automated real-time monitoring and reporting of all types of projects to maximize resource utilization.

D2L is led by the brother and sister team of Alison Malloy, president and CEO, and Ron Malloy, chief strategy officer.

“D2L users can expect to receive the same high level of service and support we have always provided,” said Alison Malloy.

“In addition, our customers will also have the opportunity to capitalize on important new benefits,” added Ron Malloy. “We will leverage the worldwide strength of Kodak to increase local support for global brands, and further leverage Kodak’s expertise in workflow automation, color, and image management to expand the breadth of our corporate solutions.”

With expertise in visualization and workflow management for brand owners and their agencies, the addition of D2L to Kodak’s product portfolio helps Kodak to more tightly integrate brand owners, marketing services, and print service providers.

“It is expected that D2L solutions will have optimized interoperability with Kodak solutions, creating the opportunity to drive print volume to Kodak users,” said Faraci.

The transaction is subject to acceptance of minority shareholders of D2L and customary conditions to closing. The parties anticipate the transaction will be consummated within 30 days. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.