Universal Acquires Wilde to Strengthen Its Direct Marketing Platform

WESTWOOD, MA/HOLLISTON, MA—June 02, 2011—Universal, New England’s largest independent graphic marketing communications provider, has completed the acquisition of the Wilde Solutions Group and Wilde Agency (collectively, “Wilde”). Wilde combines best-of-breed personalized direct marketing capabilities with behavioral science methodology to design and execute its client’s marketing programs for attracting customers, building loyalty, improving retention and increasing lifetime value.

“The Wilde acquisition realizes our customer-centric vision of “Thought to Distribution” said Bill Fitzgerald, president and CEO of Universal. “By providing customers with dynamic tools, solutions and strategies to effectively engage with their target audience, we can reduce time to market, lower the total cost of ownership and improve their overall marketing return on investment.”

With the addition of Wilde, Universal is now able to offer their customers additional direct marketing services, including an award-winning direct and digital agency, advanced variable data print, proprietary delivery technologies, state-of-the-art mail services and comprehensive fulfillment operations. These services complement Universal’s high-quality commercial print and promotional products arm to provide a complete spectrum of direct response solutions to our customers.

“I am particularly pleased about how this partnership will present more opportunities and advantages to Wilde customers and employees” said Tom Wilde. “Significant investments in process, people and technology have been made to provide solutions that address customers’ needs in today’s competitive marketplace. The benefits of these investments will become even more apparent by joining forces with Universal to bring scale and seamless comprehensive marketing services to the marketplace.”

Wilde will continue to operate as an autonomous business unit out of Holliston, MA with access to the resources and support of its parent company, Universal.

John Sisson, formerly Universal’s chief technology officer, will serve as president of Wilde, reporting to Bill Fitzgerald.

About Universal
Universal (www.umink.com) has grown organically as well as through acquisition (Millennium Graphics, Universal Graphix, Daniels Printing and Acme Printing) from a sheet fed only general commercial printing company into a full service graphic communications marketing service provider delivering innovative, cost-effective and mission-critical communications for its customers.

Universal provides automated document creation, production, digital and conventional printing, fulfillment and electronic delivery of customized and personalized communications from its facilities in Westwood, Somerville and Rockland, MA.

About Wilde
Founded in 1868, Wilde (www.wilde.com) has evolved from a small publisher
into a nationally-recognized leader in direct response solutions and personalized communications. Wilde provides a comprehensive suite of business solutions for companies across a wide range of industries. Wilde’s personalized communication specialties include agency services, print-on-demand, direct mail services, and fulfillment.

About Wilde Agency
Wilde Agency (www.wildeagency.com) specializes in direct response marketing initiatives that elicit the right behaviors from the right customers. Drawing upon best-of-breed direct response techniques and a scientific understanding of consumer behavior, Wilde Agency constructs and delivers cross-channel programs that maximize marketing ROI. In spring 2010, Wilde Agency took home Best of Show honors from the New England Direct Marketing Association (NEDMA) Awards for Creative Excellence.

Source: Universal.