MakerBot acquires European distribution partner, rebrands it

MakerBot has acquired longtime distribution partner, HAFNER’S BÜRO, which is now called MakerBot Europe, according to a press release from the company. Jenny Lawton, company president said:

We are so excited to officially launch MakerBot Europe and expand MakerBot’s global reach with the creation of MakerBot Europe. Alexander Hafner and HAFNER’S BÜRO are longtime MakerBot partners and have extensive knowledge of our products, 3D printing and design solutions, and the European market.  We are thrilled that they will play a larger role in the MakerBot family and will represent the company with our European distributors and resellers.

The notice of the acquisition focuses on sales, service and distribution, without addressing the question of manufacturing. It also includes a list of countries that the new European branch will reach: basically, every large country in Europe, with the exclusion of France and Norway.

While the company has been selling its products in Europe for some time, this acquisition represents a greater prioritization of the European market.

The release describes the purchase as an acquisition of “certain assets” of HAFNER’S BÜRO, but when you search for the company on Google, its website now redirects to the new MakerBot site.

According to MakerBot, Europe is the second largest market for installations of high-end 3D printers. Downtown Brooklyn’s MakerBot, is a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd.