DFI – Solutions in Print Acquires Performance Group Inc.

Steve Connelly

DFI – Solutions in Print, a Top 50 distributor based in Davenport, Iowa, has acquired Performance Group Inc., a leading print supply chain management company located in Omaha, Neb.

“After 24 years at the helm, it was time for me to consider the next chapter in my business career, and DFI became the obvious solution,” said Steve Connelly, president and CEO of Performance Group Inc. “The DFI leadership team and myself share the same culture, business philosophies and willingness to do whatever it takes to satisfy our clients and deliver innovative solutions for their problems.”

By combining forces, Connelly explained, Performance Group Inc. clients now have access to new product lines and can expect to see enhancements to online print management solutions, in addition to other marketing and time-saving print management processes where DFI excels. For those who may be concerned about how the change in ownership will affect current or future orders, Connelly shared that there has been “very little disruption” during this transitional period.

The company does not anticipate any layoffs. According to Connelly, who will serve in a print management specialist role, Performance Group Inc.’s Omaha office “will remain in tact.” If anything, he believes the acquisition will allow for continued growth.

“[This acquisition] provides my current Performance Group Inc. employees with good growth opportunity, and allows them to continue on their chosen career paths,” he enthused. “All of us at Performance Group Inc. are excited about our future with the DFI family.”

DFI shared Connelly’s enthusiasm.

“DFI was looking to expand and deepen our footprint as a leading print and labels solutions company in the Midwest,” said Doug Johnson, vice president of DFI – Solutions in Print. “Performance was an ideal fit geographically, and their business philosophies and great team of people made it a perfect match for DFI.”

Terms of the deal, which went into effect Oct. 1, were not disclosed.

Corporate Development Associates, a private intermediary firm based in Scottsdale, Ariz., acted as the exclusive sell-side financial adviser to Performance Group Inc. Parties interested in hearing more may call Roger Buck at (585) 330-2068, or email rbuck@printmergers.com; they may also contact Jim Anderson at (480) 951-2441 or (602) 432-0426, or email jaa@printmergers.com.