Challenges Aplenty in Rationalizing the Combined Quad/Graphics and Worldcolor

Quad/Graphics’ acquisition of World Color following Quebecor World’s January 2008 bankruptcy has tongues wagging as to the potential impact on the printing industry as well as large print buyers. Here are my thoughts on how this may unfold.

Preserving Quad’s Unique Culture

I am not aware of any substantial printing company in the world that values its own unique culture more than Quad. Thirty years ago, Quad’s Bean (Atlanta) acquisition was reported to be not faring well because of this culture incompatibility issue. As a result, virtually all of Quad’s dynamic growth since then has been virgin meadow start ups.