UPFRONT
Worker Crushed in Accident
VERSAILLES, KY—OSHA is investigating an apparent accident at a Quebecor World facility here that led to the death of a longtime employee. Carolyn Cox Campbell, 62, suffered fatal chest trauma Oct. 15 when she was crushed between a forklift and a metal racking system, according to John McCarty, Fayette County, KY, deputy coroner. McCarty indicated that a final autopsy and toxicology report would be completed in about four weeks. Tony Ross, director of communications for Montreal-based Quebecor World, said that Campbell's death, "appears to be an unfortunate accident."
CGX Kills Deal for Newbridge
HOUSTON—Consolidated Graphics (CGX) is no longer pursuing the acquisition of Dallas-based Newbridge Corp. The company did not disclose the reasoning behind its decision to terminate the letter of intent, but said it would continue to investigate potential acquirees that meet with its overall growth strategy. The proposed Newbridge Corp. deal had not been factored into CGX's prior financial guidance, thus it will not produce any impact on future financial results.
CVC Capital Buys BASF Printing
HUNTINGTON, WV—Funds managed by European equity firm CVC Capital Partners has acquired the printing inks and printing plates operations of BASF. The deal includes all of the BASF printing system facilities and activities, including pigment production at BASF Colorants & Chemicals in Shanghai, China, and the production of alkali blue at the facility here. The Huntington manufacturing plant employs 120 people.
RRD Receives FSC Certification
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley has earned Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) "Chain-of-Custody" certification from Scientific Certification Systems for the use of paper from sustainably managed forests. Donnelley customers in Spartanburg, SC, and Lancaster, PA, can now use the FSC-trademarked "checkmark and tree" logo in their magazines, catalogs and other printed materials.
Kolbus Moves in at Cleveland HQ
CLEVELAND—Kolbus America has put the finishing touches on the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Mahwah, NJ, to Cleveland. The city was selected for its centralized location and greater access to customers across the country. The company can be reached at 812 Huron St., Suite 750, Cleveland, OH 44115. The phone number is (216) 931-5100.
Valassis Buys Mail Business
ST. PETERSBURG, FL—Valassis Communications has acquired Catalina Marketing Direct Marketing Services, the direct mail segment of Catalina Marketing. Terms of the all-cash deal were not revealed. Valassis will retain all Catalina direct mail employees. The deal is in line with Catalina's strategy of focusing on proprietary applications delivered at the point of sale and enhances Valassis' existing one-to-one direct mail business.
S. Rosenthal in Merger Deal
CINCINNATI—Veteran printer S. Rosenthal & Co. has merged with Reach Publishing Systems. As part of the agreement, Donald Rahilly, president and CEO of S. Rosenthal, becomes chairman of the combined companies. Robert Slattery, Reach founder, becomes president and CEO.
Proforma Helps Raise Relief Aid
CLEVELAND—Proforma franchise owners, in conjunction with an effort sponsored by the Advertising Specialties Institute (ASI), have helped raise more than $500,000 worth of disaster relief materials to aid the victims of the recent rash of hurricanes that have ravaged parts of Florida.
Setzer, 81, Hickory Printing Vet
CONOVER, NC—Lewis "Pete" Setzer, 81, senior vice president of The Hickory Printing Group, died recently after a brief illness. In his 50 years with the company, Mr. Setzer held a variety of jobs including press operator, plant manager and general manager, and often wrote how-to articles for the company newsletter. He was also a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, serving as a captain in both World War II and the Korean War.
Quad Finalizes Parcel Direct Deal
SUSSEX, WI—Quad/Graphics has completed the sale of its Parcel Direct division to FedEx for $120 million. FedEx announced that Parcel Direct will operate as a subsidiary of FedEx Ground. Parcel Direct specializes in the consolidation and deliveries of high volumes of lower weight, less time-sensitive packages. It employs about 450 people in 12 nationwide distribution centers.
Allen to Head Xerox Group
ROCHESTER, NY—Quincy L. Allen has been named president of the Production Systems Group at Xerox Corp. He will be responsible for the company's high-end systems, software and service offerings for the graphic communications industry, including production publishing, transaction printing and enterprise-wide printing.
Wausau Paper to Buy Missota
MOSINEE, WI—Wausau Paper has reached an agreement to obtain the assets of Missota Paper, a specialty manufacturer of uncoated freesheet paper, for $9.6 million. The assets will become part of Wausau's Printing & Writing business segment upon closing of the deal, scheduled for mid-November. As part of the deal, Wausau acquires Missota's Brainerd, MN, mill. The facility includes two paper machines and finishing equipment.
Quebecor World Renews Program
MONTREAL—Quebecor World has renewed and amended its U.S. trade receivables securitization program. The $510 million program, which has been in place since 1999, has been extended through Sept. 28, 2005. The program has also been amended to give Quebecor World the option to extend the term of the program for an additional year. The renewal and amendment extend Quebecor World's liquidity horizon under the program to 24 months.
