Specialty Substrates Provider GPA Becomes Part of the Fedrigoni Group

CHICAGO—April 14, 2015—GPA, the market leader in North America of specialty substrates for digital, offset and wide-format printing, announces that effective April 2, 2015, the company has officially joined the Fedrigoni Group.

A well-established company serving the specialty paper market in North America, GPA has grown to become the premier source of high-quality substrates and new product innovation, all supported by talented technical experts. Now, part of the Fedrigoni Group, GPA will be focused on the continued expansion of its broad-based portfolio of products and services.

"In concert with our new partner Fedrigoni, this arrangement puts GPA in an incredible position to serve the graphic arts industry," said Bob Niesen, president and CEO at GPA. "Fedrigoni is known and respected worldwide as a manufacturer of fine papers and adhesives, offering over 13,000 SKUs, and with their support, we will continue to develop our innovative product portfolio and offer even greater value to our customers. I look forward to the further innovations and growth we will achieve together.

All current members of GPA’s management team will continue to serve the company under the new organizational structure as they have. GPA’s customers and suppliers can look forward to continuing the strong relationships they have forged, and to greater opportunities for success.

The Fedrigoni Group, based in Verona, Italy, is a leading international player in the production and sale of various types of paper and in particular high value-added paper, security products and self-adhesive items with a rich history dating back to 1888. As a specialty manufacturer of fine Italian papers for designers, end-users and printers, it distributes to over 80 countries worldwide. GPA joins Fedrigoni’s world-class network of companies; in 2002, the fine art paper company Fabriano joined the Fedrigoni Group. Fabriano was established in the year 1264 and boasts Michelangelo as one of their satisfied customers.

Fabriano paper, with 750 years of history to its name, is part of Italy’s cultural heritage and is chosen every year by millions of students and artists in Italy and throughout the world. Fabriano is also the sole Italian producer of paper for banknotes accredited by the European Central Bank for producing the watermarked paper of the Euro banknotes and produces security items and security paper for central banks and printing institutes. Fedrigoni’s dedication to innovation, quality and strong customer relationships makes the company a perfect fit for GPA.

Prior to becoming part of the Fedrigoni Group, GPA was owned by Svoboda Capital Partners for the last 10 years. Under its ownership and guidance, GPA has achieved significant growth.

"On behalf of Svoboda Capital Partners, it has been a pleasure to work with the very talented group of professionals at GPA over the last decade," noted John Svoboda, managing director of Svoboda Capital Partners. "They have built an excellent organization that is highly respected within the industry. As a key strategic partner for many years, we know Fedrigoni will enhance GPA's strong market position as the two companies come together."

The company’s CEO Claudio Alfonsi, also added, "This acquisition is in line with the Fedrigoni Group’s strategy for growth in the international markets, having the aim of further asserting our leadership in value-added and highly profitable segments. We are extremely pleased, because thanks to GPA, the Fedrigoni Group will now be able to serve and support the U.S. specialty substrate market with well-consolidated coverage; this will constitute a solid base for the future distribution of complementary products. We have known and appreciated the GPA team for many years, and are aware that they have the same working and market philosophy as us. We look forward to working together on many opportunities in the North American markets.”

About GPA
GPA is the premier source for specialty substrates and solutions for offset, digital, and wide-format printing. Products include coated and uncoated papers, pressure sensitive and specialty papers, synthetic films and substrates exclusively engineered for HP Indigo and other digital presses. GPA is an HP Indigo Preferred Partner and a Diamond Partner of Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative). GPA is part of the Fedrigoni Group, a leading international producer and converter of value-added specialty papers founded in 1888.

Source: GPA.