Compass Report--The State of M&A

Printing industry consolidation activity slowed drastically in 1999. When an economic or a financial trend changes direction, there is rarely only one impetus. The slowing of consolidation in the printing industry—and most especially in the general commercial segment—is no exception. Just as there were many factors that led to the 1998 feeding frenzy, there are also many causes for its abatement now.