HP Acquires Silverwire, Photo Kiosks

In a move to strengthen its photo processing and digital imaging business, Hewlett-Packard announced Tuesday that it will acquire Silverwire Holding AG, which has some 23,000 photo kiosk-licensed operations in 30 countries.

HP said the Switzerland-based Silverwire connects photo centers, "linking a retailer's photo assets or equipment to allow for a more efficient workflow." HP said financial terms of the transaction would not be disclosed.

Silverwire, which caters to OEMs and business customers in photo, retail, telecom, and digital press markets, was formed in 2003 by a merger of three digital imaging companies. Earlier this year, Silverwire acquired U.K.-based Axiom Connection Ltd., a 35-employee firm with expertise in software, services, and custom solutions in general and retail areas.

"We expect that this acquisition will allow HP to compete more vigorously in the retail photo printing market and position us to become a leading provider of digital integration services worldwide," said Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president of HP's Imaging and Printing Group, in a statement.