Carpenter Acquires Royle Print Division

SUN PRAIRIE, WI—Ownership of the print division at Royle Communications Group has switched hands. Chris Carpenter, COO, has structured a transaction to purchase the printing company from Richard Royle, president and CEO.

The switch in ownership is one of many changes for the company, which specializes in high-quality web printing of catalogs, magazines and corporate collateral. It recently opened a new corporate headquarters in this Madison suburb. A 20,000-square-foot expansion was completed there in April.

Additionally, the company has added new equipment in the form of a Muller Martini Norm perfect binder and a Muller Martini Prima SB saddle stitcher with inside/outside ink-jetting and personalization. A state-of-the-art electronic prepress department has been ushered in with an updated Scitex workflow.

More than 100 customers and key business partners attended on open house on May 3, with one held for employees the following day.

"I am very enthusiastic with this opportunity," Carpenter says. "Rich Royle and the many dedicated employees who work for our company have worked hard to build a successful business. I am committed to continuing this success, serving as a great resource for our customers, while also being a strong member of the greater Madison business community."

Carpenter previously worked for Automated Graphic Systems, where he was a part-owner. He also sold printing for the former Perry Printing, and took the helm as vice president of sales and marketing at The Fisher Group. He majored in economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"We have adjusted to the many changes and challenges that have impacted the printing industry," Carpenter states. "Today, we're a much stronger, more focused company. Customers see value in doing business with a company that invests in its people and in the future. They appreciate our small-town values and our commitment to follow through on the details of a project."

Rich Royle will continue to own and operate the publishing division of the company, as well as maintain a financial stake while serving as chairman of the board.