James Russell

James Russell

James A. Russell, partner at New Direction Partners, brings over 20 years of experience as a printing company executive having served as CEO of two family-owned graphic communication companies. During his tenure as owner and CEO of Arbor Press, a commercial printing company in Michigan, the company was an eight-time winner of the National Association for Printing Leadership’s (NAPL) prestigious Management Plus Awards program. Arbor Press was also recognized twice during his leadership as one of the 50 fastest growing printers in the country. Contact him at (610) 230-0635, ext. 703.

The Value of Trade Shows to Sellers

Trade shows are back and they’re must-attend events for owners of printing businesses — especially those getting ready to sell.

Understanding EBITDA Multiples

Because many buyers of businesses use multiples of EBITDA to determine value, selling owners should understand what it all means.

M&A Trends on the Way to 2021

If we’re realistic, we’re going to get through this. Despite all the glum news we’ve been hearing lately.

How to Approach an Acquisition Target

Approaching acquisition targets is a delicate business. But, with the right mix of candor, timing, and tact, a buyer can break the ice.

Win-Win M&A Negotiations

Firmness isn’t the only quality to bring to an M&A negotiation if you want it to end successfully for everyone concerned.

What a Seller Needs to Know During an M&A Transition

At New Direction Partners, we often advise selling owners of printing businesses to be prepared to stay on in one role or another after the transaction closes. Because keeping a hand in the business at the new owner’s request is a given in so many deals, it’s helpful to have some idea of what the responsibility is going to entail and what psychological adjustments are going to be needed along the way.

Keys to Your Succession Plan

Do you, as the owner of a printing business, have a plan for no longer being the owner of that business?

Big, Bold, and Buyable

It’s no surprise to see wide-format shops attracting their fair share of attention in the M&A marketplace. We’ve represented a number of them as sellers in transactions this year, and they make an interesting contrast with our commercial printing and packaging clients.