A joint decision was recently made between Agfa Graphics and xpedx to end their long-standing relationship, effective February 28, 2011. The decision follows Agfa's acquisition of Pitman Company, a graphic distributor, earlier this year.  Around the same time, Eastman Kodak Company named xpedx its primary national dealer and simultaneously announced it would terminate Pitman's right to distribute Kodak products effective Oct. 5.

A recent press release from Agfa states: The goal of the Pitman Company acquisition was to allow Agfa to expand into new addressable markets. Concurrently, xpedx has also completed specific strategic alliances with its key manufacturing partners.

xpedx says it will minimize impact to customers two ways: by helping customers advance to systems from other world-class manufacturers, or transition to alternative sources for Agfa plates and graphic consumables.

"The graphic communications industry is in transition," says Peter Wilkens, president of Agfa Graphics. "We acknowledge that new strategic partnerships are the result of the evolving needs of the marketplace. Thanks to our long-standing business relationship, Agfa and xpedx have agreed to a transition plan that will not cause any concern for our joint customers."

"Our customers are our highest priority and whether they decide to explore new technologies, or go elsewhere for Agfa products, xpedx will support their needs," says Dennis Killion, Director of Marketing, Graphics, xpedx. "Equally important is helping customers grow with complete, integrated systems, and our supplier relationships must reflect that goal."