Two of the biggest font foundaries have combined forces following the acquisition of Linotype by Monotype Imaging.

Linotype's collection of more than 6,000 typefaces includes some of the most popular typefaces in use today including Helvetica, Frutiger and Optima. Linotype and its employees will remain based in Bad Homburg, Germany, and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Monotype Imaging under the leadership of Bruno Steinert, managing director.

"It's a new era for the font industry, and the strong legacy of Linotype's values will live on and gain strength with this move. Our corporate identity will not change and our customers can be assured Linotype will continue to produce superior quality typefaces, products and services, consistent with our tradition of design excellence," said Steinert.

Monotype Imaging and Linotype will continue to market and license typefaces from hundreds of type foundries and designers worldwide through Web sites, www.fonts.com and www.linotype.com. Allan Haley, director of words and letters at Monotype Imaging explained how the company views its responsibility to the type community: "Monotype Imaging and Linotype have forged solid partnerships with typeface designers to create what we believe to be a dynamic marketing and distribution channel. Together we want to further strengthen this channel and encourage users to respect the hard work that goes into creating typefaces. We're seeing vibrant new designs every day – a sign that this community is thriving. We intend to do all we can to help it stay that way."