UPFRONT
Grafikom Acquires Speedfast
TORONTO—Grafikom LP, a network of companies formerly under the Quebecor World umbrella, has swung its first independent deal since being established last November with the acquisition of Speedfast Color Press. Privately held Speedfast Color Press, a general commercial printer and mailer, has two facilities in Edmonton, Alberta. The deal enhances Grafikom’s holdings in Edmonton, which includes grafikom.Jasper. Mike Steiner, formerly the owner and operator of Speedfast Color Press, will serve as president for the Edmonton operations.
Vertis Obtains USA Direct
BALTIMORE—Vertis has struck a deal to bring USA Direct, of York, PA, into the fold. USA Direct provides design, printing, personalization and inserting services for a variety of specialized formats, as well as direct marketing programs for Fortune 1000 companies. The addition increases Vertis’ flexibility and range of direct marketing product offerings by adding capacity to core manufacturing capabilities, including digital, conventional and in-line printing.
Agfa-Gevaert Splits Businesses
MORTSEL, BELGIUM—Agfa-Gevaert has been split into three independent businesses: Graphics, Healthcare and Materials. The new business, Materials, will group all of the film manufacturing activities with the niche products of Specialty Products and will be positioned as an independent supplier of film and related products. Agfa-Gevaert anticipates annual cost savings of an estimated 250 million Euro by 2008.
Equity Firm Buys Fort Dearborn
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL—Private equity firm Genstar Capital has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of label manufacturer Fort Dearborn Co. The printer’s management, along with certain selling shareholders, will be among the ownership group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Fort Dearborn COO Michael Anderson will assume the role of president and CEO.
Strine Installing XXL Press
YORK, PA—Strine Printing is growing its already burgeoning large-format sheetfed printing facility with the addition of a seven-color, 64˝ Roland 900 XXL press from MAN Roland. The press is equipped with UV capabilities, a double coater and extended delivery. Strine boasts the largest Roland 900 fleet in the country, with two six-color, 54˝ presses and a six-color 900 XXL with coater.
