Never a Dull Moment
Industry upheaval continues. This spring, we learned that Woodbury Business Forms and Caribbean Business Forms were acquired by Wise Business Forms. Then, we had the sudden news that the Vallis division of MLC Holdings ceased operations. Now, we find that Printegra has acquired National Imprint Corporation.
Add to these changes the growth efforts of Ennis as it absorbs Crabar/GBF and ventures into the promotional world with Alstyle Apparel, along with the business gyrations of Cenveo, which is fending off a hostile takeover, and our conservative industry has taken on an air of adventure.
Wise Business Forms gains access to a wider range of customers and broadens its portfolio of short- to medium-run products with longer run capability in several categories. Vallis provided a wide range of traditional products; sales of approximately $30-35 million will no doubt be a welcome opportunity for other companies where press time is lagging.
The Printegra acquisition looks like a good product match, as the company gains production capabilities for envelopes and stationery, to go along with its short-run checks, forms, mailers and other products.
Ennis' strong foray into apparel is a bold move towards diversification. The acquisition should rocket the company to more than $500 million in sales, while introducing a new player into the distributor market.
Cenveo has been a show in itself with continuous demands by minority shareholder Robert Burton to be named CEO and given virtual control of the board of directors. Hopefully, the recent naming of James Malone as CEO will calm the situation, allowing the Quality Park division to enjoy continued prosperity.
Bill Drennan
Editorial Director
bdrennan@napco.com