UPFRONT
RRD-Bowne a Done Deal
CHICAGO—Shortly after receiving word from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that its investigation of RR Donnelley's proposed acquisition of Bowne & Co. had been closed and that no additional action by the FTC was warranted, the two companies announced its transaction had been completed. The parties had been anticipating notification by the FTC that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act for the proposed deal had been terminated.
Knepper Buys Roland 700 DD
PITTSBURGH—Knepper Press has purchased an eight-color Roland 700 Direct Drive sheetfed perfecting press from manroland. The Roland 700 with Direct Drive, which includes a coater, reportedly allows press operators to reduce prep times by up to 60 percent by performing blanket and impression cylinder washing, mounting plates and digital file transfer tasks simultaneously.
Big Investment for Standard
DAYTON, OH—Standard Register, a provider of document services, announced it has completed the majority of a $10 million refresh of its national network of digital printing centers, aimed at heightening customer service, expanding overall capabilities and improving environmental sustain- ability. Since January, the company has transformed five of its regional print centers into "super centers."
Transcon Closes Facility
MONTREAL—Transcontinental announced that it is closing the Boucherville, Canada, printing plant before the end of the year. The closure, scheduled for Dec. 17, will result in the loss of 180 employees. Jacques Grégoire, senior vice president, magazine, book and catalog group, said the company needed to make the tough call on Boucherville in order to remain competitive in a changing market.
Fire Guts Printing Facility
CHATSWORTH, CA—Firefighters battled a blaze at political printer Coronet Printing for about five hours Nov. 5 before putting it out completely. No one was injured in the fire. More than 200 firefighters responded to the fire, which began about 6 p.m.
Name Change for Fey
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI—After answering to the name of Fey Publishing for nearly eight decades, the company announced it was changing its name to Fey Printing to better reflect its broad range of printing services. Fey Printing has unveiled the design of the company's new brand logo, which combines classic elements of the 50-plus-year-old logo with a contemporary new design.
Shutterfly Buys WMSG Assets
REDWOOD CITY, CA—Shutterfly Inc., an Internet-based social expression and personal publishing (photo books) service, has acquired certain assets and liabilities of Dallas-based WMSG Inc. (WMSG) for $6 million in cash to enable a complete solution for variable data print marketers and other print-on-demand opportunities. WMSG, a former subsidiary of Williamson Printing, is a digital direct marketing provider with data management and marketing analytics capabilities.
Donnelley Secures Contracts
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley has been awarded a multi-year catalog production agreement by Swanson Health Products. The pact, which renews and expands the companies' existing relationship, draws on the printer's gravure, offset and direct response printing capabilities, as well as its co-binding resources. RR Donnelley has also been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by Prudential UK to provide the insurance company with document management through 2021.
Pacific Acquires Premier Color
FRESNO, CA—Pacific Printing has purchased Premier Color Graphics of Visalia, CA, a deal that includes satellite sales offices in the California towns of Tulare, Porterville and Reedley. The companies were slated to combine on Nov. 1 and will do business under the Premier name. All 27 employees of Premier will be offered the opportunity to remain with the company. Wayne Yada, owner of Premier, will also stay on board during a six-month transition period, the Visalia Times-Delta reported.
AMS Unveils LED-UV System
RIVER FALLS, WI—Air Motion Systems (AMS) has released an LED-UV based printing system, XP3, for offset printing and perfecting. The system is said to use a UV LED light source to instantly dry inks and varnishes at top press speeds without marking, powder or heat. By instantly trapping or drying both the front and back-side sheets in-line, the process reportedly eliminates marking concerns. The XP3 can be installed immediately following printing units or over a special drying cylinder on the press. PI
