Donnelley Makes Play for Quebecor World

CHICAGO—The largest M&A transaction in the history of the printing industry, in the midst of the worst financial climate this country has seen in decades, could make one company a towering behemoth among modest-sized competitors.

RR Donnelley (RRD) has submitted a written indication of interest to acquire the assets and properties of Montreal-based Quebecor World for $1.35 billion in cash and stock. Such a deal, should it become reality, would transform Donnelley into a roughly $16 billion a year concern. The next largest printer would be Cenveo Inc., at about $2.6 billion.