Integrated Graphics Buys Seven Companies

NEW YORK—In a transaction valued at more than $100 million, and one that marks the emergence of another major consolidator in the graphic arts industry, Integrated Graphics (IGI) has purchased the assets of seven graphics, printing and digital output service facilities.

Five of the firms—Cedar Graphics, Empire Graphics, JFB & Sons Lithographers, K2G Graphics and Tam Communications—are based in the New York City/Long Island, NY, region. The other two acquisitions are Houston-based Emmott-Walker and International Color Services, of Phoenix.

"Integrated Graphics was created to capitalize on the growing trend among customers to buy from fewer suppliers able to provide them with full service and integrated graphics solutions,"

reveals Peter Faucetta Sr., chairman and CEO of IGI and former president and COO of Applied Graphics Technologies.

IGI officials say their company offers a complete range of graphics services in the areas of digital imaging, prepress, multicolor sheetfed and web printing, graphic content packaging, on-demand printing and digital transmission. Current clients include American Express, AT&T, Bloomingdale's, Canon USA, Citibank, IBM, McGraw-Hill, Newsweek, TV Guide and Unilever, according to Tom Cunningham, COO of IGI and former group president of World Color Press.

Faucetta adds that each of the acquired companies will retain its current management team, and that more acquisitions by IGI are foreseen in the coming months.