UPFRONT
Quad Workers Nailed in Scam
HARTFORD, WI—Two former employees at Quad/Graphics’ magazine printing plant here were arrested and charged in connection with an international insider trading scheme that generated $6.7 million, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Former temporary employee Nickolaus Shuster and recently terminated Quad worker Juan Renteria were charged with being sources of illegal insider information, the newspaper reported. Supplying investor tips from an investment feature that appears in BusinessWeek in advance of the street date allegedly netted more than $345,000 in profits.
Aurand, Vista Buying Outlook
NEENAH, WI—Led by former Banta CEO Calvin Aurand, Vista Group Holdings is acquiring Outlook Group for $13.50 per share. The move will make Outlook Group a privately held company. The deal is expected to be completed this summer. Investors in the Vista holding company include Aurand, Milestone Partners and affiliates of John Hancock Life Insurance company.
Public Printer James Retiring
WASHINGTON, DC—Public Printer Bruce James has informed President Bush of his intention to retire from his post as head of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). James will step down from the position when a new Public Printer is selected. He took over the role in 2002.
Competing Offer for Amazys
REGENSDORF, SWITZERLAND—Eichhof Holding AG has thrown its hat in the ring to acquire Amazys Holding, parent company of GretagMacbeth, via a competing tender offer. In late January, X-Rite announced it would pay $280 million for the outstanding registered shares of Amazys Holding, plus 2.11 shares of X-Rite Inc. stock per share. Amazys develops, markets and supports hardware, software and services to measure and communicate color under the GretagMacbeth brand.
Hatteras Consolidates Facilities
TINTON FALLS, NJ—Hatteras Press has relocated its headquarters to an 85,000-square-foot facility here. The move allowed the company to combine its printing, direct mail, fulfillment and administrative operations under one roof. As part of the move, Hatteras installed new equipment including a six-color, 40˝ Heidelberg Speedmaster perfector, a five-color Kodak NexPress 2100 digital press and two monochrome Kodak Digimaster E125s.