YEAR IN REVIEW - Is M&A Now DOA?

Big Flower Holdings underwent a series of changes, starting with its name, by becoming Vertis Inc. Three of its divisions were consolidated and its corporate headquarters relocated to Baltimore.

A new competitor entered the consolidation scene when Watt/Peterson, of Plymouth, MN, and crosstown rival Cimarron Printing merged to create Printing Partners of America. The entity intends to acquire more companies.