NEBS

Educate customers about value-added features for profit-boosting results. One product that distributors know will be in constant de-mand from customers is checks. Although there may be fluctuations in the type of check products (continuous vs. laser, for instance), the product itself is still a necessity, say manufacturers. "Checks are growing every year," said Sandy Horner, president of Diversiform Software Compatible Checks, Alexandria, Va. Despite the economy's ups and downs, businesses still need to pay employees and suppliers, she said. "The dollar amount on the checks might change, but they still need the checks." Product niches within the category reflect customers' desire for

Deluxe Corporation, St. Paul, Minn., recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New England Business Service, a Groton, Massachusetts-based provider of products and services to small businesses, for an estimated $587 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Deluxe will pay $44 in cash for each New England Business Service (NEBS) share and will assume NEBS' outstanding debt of approximately $160 million at the end of June. The acquisition is expected to close within 60 days and be accretive to Deluxe's earnings and cash flow for fiscal year 2005. It is expected to add between $.35 and $.45 in