Consolidated Adds Three More Firms
HOUSTON—Consolidated Graphics, based here, has capped the year with three new acquisitions, bringing its total to 29 companies.
The first of the three firms was StorterChilds Printing, based in Gainesville, FL. The acquisition marks Consolidated's entry into the booming Florida printing market. Consolidated officials call StorterChilds, founded almost 50 years ago, one of the leading commercial printers in central Florida.
As is nearly always the case with Consolidated Graphics' acquisitions, the current management team will remain in place. John Childs and Jim Storter will continue to lead StorterChilds after the transaction is completed.
"Our company has been successful because we consistently provide our customers superior service and the highest-quality color products," Childs explains. "With Consolidated Graphics, we join a premier group of companies that share our dedication to customer service and an organization with the resources to help us grow and prosper in the future. This is a great opportunity for our employees and our company to join the industry leader."
Three days after announcing the deal with StorterChilds, Consolidated reported it had signed a letter of intent to acquire another company: Fittje Bros. Printing, based in Colorado Springs, CO. Peter Kugler, president of the 25-year-old firm, will keep his current responsibilities.
"Joining Consolidated Graphics will further solidify Fittje's leadership position in our market," Kugler says.
"We have a long tradition of success...a tradition that will be enhanced with the resources made available to us as part of Consolidated Graphics. It is a tremendous plus for both our customers and our employees."
Joe Davis, chairman and CEO of Consolidated Graphics, adds that the acquisition will further strengthen Consolidated's "already strong position in the Colorado market."
Just 11 days later after announcing its plans for Fittje Bros., Consolidation had more news. This time the object of Consolidated's attention was Courier Printing, based in Nashville, TN.
Tommy Bragg, Courier's CEO, and COO Ralph Williams will continue with the company. Davis looks forward to working with Courier's management team. He calls Bragg "an industry leader."
"In his current position as chairman of the Printing Industry Association of the South, Tommy Bragg leads a trade association representing nearly 500 printers and graphic arts companies in the seven-state southeast region," Davis says.
"Consolidated Graphics is the ideal partner for Courier Printing," Bragg says. "We have successfully combined a family-style concern for service and quality with a business-like approach to operations. This is the same approach Consolidated Graphics has used across the country."
"We have successfully combined a family-style concern for service and quality with a business-like approach to operations."
—Tommy Bragg, Courier's CEO
Consolidated Adds Three More
