Nationwide Buys Three Firms

HOUSTON—Nationwide Graphics, based here, has stepped up its consolidation efforts by recently acquiring three commercial printing/graphic arts companies.

Nationwide has purchased Graphics West of Las Vegas, Lasertech Graphic Services of Miami and Offset Atlanta as part of a continuing effort to expand its printing and graphic arts portfolio.

"Graphics West, Lasertech and Offset Atlanta are excellent initial platforms from which Nationwide intends to become a leading consolidator of commercial printing and graphic arts companies," notes Carl L. Norton, chairman and CEO of Nationwide. "Nationwide was founded to create a leading commercial printing and graphic arts consolidator by acquiring profitable, well-managed companies whose previous owners will continue to operate the businesses with significant autonomy."

Offset Atlanta is based in Norcross, GA, with locations in Georgia and Michigan. Gene Hindman, president and founder of Offset Atlanta, is being retained, along with his management team.

"Joining Nationwide Graphics was an excellent opportunity for us to continue the growth we've experienced over the last few years," Hindman remarks.

Norton is impressed by Offset Atlanta's growth over the past three years. He notes that the company was ranked first in the state of Georgia for commercial printing by one publication.

Graphics West, which boasts a 44,000-square-foot facility and 110 employees, was founded in 1977 by Wayne Dutt and Jack Krietzburg. Both men will continue to navigate the company.

Lasertech Graphic Services is a leading full-service prepress and printing company.

"Lasertech Graphic Services, under the leadership of Brian Amell and his management team, has experienced outstanding growth over the last five years," Norton remarks. "It is a company that fits our requirements profile, and it will serve as a platform company for expansion into the greater Miami market. We are pleased that Brian and his team have agreed to stay in place."

The acquisitions are part of an ongoing plan to add printers and graphic arts companies to the Nationwide stable, according to senior Vice President Jerry Hyde, and more additions will be announced in the near future.

"Nationwide feels that Lasertech complements other recent acquisitions and looks forward to expanding into other major markets," he says. "Letters of intent are currently being negotiated with several companies, and some new acquisitions will be announced in the near future."

By Erik Cagle