UPFRONT
RRD to Sell Package Logistics
CHICAGO—RR Donnelley has reached an agreement to sell its package logistics business to Heritage Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm that is the principal owner of American Package Express. Under terms of the agreement, Donnelley will receive cash in exchange for the assets and liabilities of its package logistics business, which includes CTC Direct, a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the third quarter 2004, does not affect Donnelley's print logistics, fulfillment or distribution operations.
Quad to Print Return of LIFE
SUSSEX, WI—When LIFE makes its return in October as a weekend magazine, Quad/ Graphics will provide a majority of the print production. The magazine, which will be distributed in Friday newspapers nationwide, will see slightly more than half of the 12 million copies produced in three Quad plants. LIFE is the fifth weekly produced by Time Inc. Quad also prints the other four—Sports Illustrated, People, Time and Entertainment Weekly.
Cadmus Offers Digital Solution
RICHMOND, VA—Cadmus Communications has released dPub, an interactive, multimedia digital publication product. dPub's rich media experience for readers helps to enhance the effectiveness of content. dPub uses Adobe Acrobat 6.0 and does not require additional software downloads or plug-ins.
Presstek Finishes Precision Deal
HUDSON, NH—Digital imaging solutions provider Presstek has closed on a deal to acquire Precision Lithograining of South Hadley, MA, for $12.3 million in cash. Precision Lithograining was one of the largest independent plate manufacturers in North America and Presstek's manufacturing partner for its Anthem and Freedom printing plates. The companies will maintain their respective operations, with Precision Lithograining operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Presstek.
Xerox Manages RNC, DNC Docs
ROCHESTER, NY—Xerox Corp. was chosen to produce and manage more than 10 million documents in on-site print centers at the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Both parties used Xerox high-speed digital color and black-and-white printing technology, advanced multifunction systems, supplies, paper and 24-hour support at their conventions.
QWL Unveils Co-mail Technology
MONTREAL—Quebecor World Logistics (QWL) is investing in new co-mail technology to reduce costs for short- and medium-run magazine publishers. Its enhanced co-mailing process, the Express Collation Mailing System, will reduce gross postage by up to 30 percent and improve overall postal distribution service. It is the first phase of QWL's three-year strategy targeted at creating a multiple-pool platform that will eventually offer three co-mail machines with at least 30 pockets each.
CGX Nabs South Carolina Printer
HOUSTON—Consolidated Graphics (CGX) has acquired the assets of Electric City Printing (ECPrint) of Greenville, SC. ECPrint is a full-service sheetfed and digital print provider. Compass Capital Partners represented the selling shareholders in the transaction. CGX has also acquired Newbridge Corp. of Dallas, a full-service data content/information management services and digital printing company.
Greensheet Places Large Order
HOUSTON—Advertising tabloid publisher Greensheet will install a 20-unit Goss Magnum press and two folders, a Goss Universal and SSC, next spring. The press will reportedly reduce production times by more than 50 percent for Greensheet, which churns out roughly 800,000 weekly copies of its free advertising tabloid.
Roll Becomes Arm of Bowe
BURLINGTON, MA—The board of directors for Roll Systems approved a deal that sees the company become a wholly owned subsidiary of Bowe Systec, the company's largest shareholder. The transaction is subject to approval of Roll shareholders. Bowe Systec develops, manufactures, sells and maintains paper management systems for high-volume mail processing.
Berlin Buys Dozen MBO Folders
CAROL STREAM, IL—In a move to expand and upgrade its bindery, Berlin Industries has purchased 12 MBO Perfection folders and eight Palamides banders. The increased productivity will help provide customers with competitive pricing and fast turnaround.
IP to Evaluate Specialty Papers
STAMFORD, CT—International Paper revealed its intention to evaluate alternatives for its industrial specialty papers business, which includes the lightweight packaging papers and pressure-sensitive paper segments and related converting assets. Included in the evaluation process are mills in DePere and Kaukauna, WI, the Akrosil business facilities in Menasha, WI, Lancaster, OH, and the Netherlands, along with Thilmany Packaging located in the Kaukauna mill.
Ennis-Houston Changing Plants
HOUSTON—Ennis-Houston, formerly FMI, is consolidating its manufacturing operation into the Crabar/GBF facility in Bellville, TX. The Ennis-Houston building is leased while the company owns its Bellville facility. The plant will be renamed Ennis-Bellville. Ennis recently acquired the outstanding stock of Crabar/GBF.
Océ Prints News at Olympics
ATHENS—The Océ Digital Newspaper Network (DNN) provided digitally printed newspapers of 12 worldwide titles for the Olympic Games in Athens. Océ DNN teamed with partners Delta Singular Outsourcing Services, ComPage and the Hellenic Distribution Agency for production and delivery to key venues such as the International Broadcasting Centre and International Media Centre in the Olympic Village.
