Merger with Hand Pack Forms New Premium Color Graphics
PARAMUS, NJ—Jan. 6, 2009—Two trusted names in the graphic communications industry – Clifton-based Premium Color Graphics, Inc. and Carlstadt-based Hand Pack, Inc – have merged to form Premium Color Group LLC (www.premiumcolor.com). The merger was the logical evolution of an alliance going back over eight years. All three principles, Mark Fitzgerald and John Watson of Premium Color Graphics and Andrew Griffin of Hand Pack, are Managing Partners of the new Premium Color Group.
The merger combines the technical, operational and management talents of two strong companies that have grown even in this difficult economy. It creates a full-service business that provides clients with greater efficiency and savings. Services include commercial and digital printing, wide format, promotional products, multi-channel marketing, specialty fulfillment, and distribution and mailing.
“Our clients will benefit from faster project implementation and completion, freight savings, and better capitalization that will enable us to continue to invest in cutting edge technology,” states Andrew Griffin.
Beginning as a prepress shop in 1992, Premium Color Graphics grew to become a leader in technology implementation providing digital and web-to-print services. More recently, it has evolved into a marketing service provider helping clients develop and execute successful marketing campaigns. Since it was founded in 1993, Hand Pack has also grown steadily based on its reputation for excellent service, reliability and cost control in the digital imaging, hand-assembly and fulfillment arenas.
“As technology changed, we reinvented ourselves time and again to stay at the forefront of an industry where digital capabilities were redefining graphic communications.” says Mark Fitzgerald. “Together, as Premium Color Group, we are even better positioned to meet our goals as a market leader.”
“We’ve always been aggressive in our desire to be an industry leader,” adds John Watson. “Our philosophy has been one of innovation and service – continually improving our systems to deliver the highest quality results and advance the success of our clients. Hand Pack’s unparalleled service and high degree of professionalism is a perfect match for us to continue on our path of solid growth.”
“This is truly a ‘merger of equals’ that will enhance the competitive position of both businesses,” states John Hyde, vice president and senior consultant of NAPL, an industry association providing business management services to the graphic communications and printing industry. NAPL provided merger advisory services for the transaction which included objective oversight in the drafting of structural agreements and helping facilitate the merger process in a more timely fashion.
“A successful merger is more than just legal paperwork,” notes Hyde. “It is frequently what’s done after the signatures dry on contracts including how employees are advised of the merger and motivated to realize they are a key part of the success of the new organization. These two companies are doing everything right to position themselves for future success and growth. These types of strategic alliances and operational consolidations are one of many strategies that NAPL recommends to help companies become more competitive, productive and valuable to their clients.”
About NAPL
Chartered in 1933, NAPL is a not-for-profit business management association representing companies in the $120 billion printing and graphic communications industry. NAPL’s comprehensive slate of business-building solutions provides company leaders with the management tools they need to make informed business decisions in an ever-changing market environment. The association also handles the administration of NAQP, the National Association of Quick Printers, which specializes in the unique concerns of small printers nationwide, and the industry’s Research and Engineering Council, which is dedicated to manufacturing technology and productivity-improvement issues. For more information on NAPL or its affiliated associations, visit www.napl.org or call 800-642-6275.
