Quebecor World

BIG NAMES were on the move in 2007. It was a year in which major mergers and acquisitions jammed the headlines of our news pages. And some deals never quite got off the ground, while others are in a holding pattern. There was an explosion of headline grabbers to open 2007, led by a pair of major transactions and a political coup for the industry. Having been thwarted in his efforts to acquire Banta Corp. by RR Donnelley on Halloween 2006, Cenveo Chairman and CEO Bob Burton hammered out a deal to acquire Cadmus Communications for $24.75 a share, or a total of $430

WIDENING OF the wage disparity between the ranks of top executives and workers has been getting some play in this presidential election season. So how does the take-home pay of the top printers stack up? Printing Impressions’ 18th annual executive compensation report highlights the earnings of principal officers at the largest publicly held printing companies. There was a significant shake-up of the list this year. Several top executives—and companies—dropped from the ranks as a result of the major merger/acquisition activity in 2007. Other companies had personnel changes at the top, and a few repeat executives saw their compensation totals dramatically impacted by the lack

MONTREAL—Quebecor World has sold a majority share of its European operations to RSDB Group in a deal with a total value of $341 million. Under terms of the transaction, Quebecor World will retain a 29.9 percent interest in the new company, which will be called Roto Smeets Quebecor (RSQ) and be listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. In all, Quebecor World will receive $213 million in cash, a $50 million note and 1.4 million shares. The deal, which is subject to the approval of RSDB shareholders and the European Commission, is slated to close by the end of the year. Quebecor World’s European operations include 18

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA—11/12/07—Several international companies sensitive to the issues of sustainability have stepped up to do something about it. Kodak, Mohawk Papers, Quebecor World, and Xerox are initial sponsors of the upcoming sustainability conference at Cal Poly, titled “The Business of Green Media.” The conference, set for Jan. 24, will bring together leaders in the production of sustainable media. Sessions will focus on the business challenges and opportunities that face the graphic arts community and those involved in media production. This includes printers, publishers, packaging companies, advertising agencies, graphic designers, Web and Internet site developers, and equipment manufacturers and supply vendors, and educators. A reception

The Green Scene NEEDHAM, MA—Atlantic Printing is in its final stage of transition toward a “totally green” offset printing process. Atlantic employs a combination of chemical-free plate making technology (Agfa’s Accento thermal CTP system, which utilizes Agfa’s Azura chemical-free plates), 100 percent soy-based inks (a renewable source that is naturally low in VOCs) and recycled papers (the printer has obtained Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of- Custody certification). CANTON, MA—Several “green” initiatives, including garnering the Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of-Custody certification, have been implemented at Next Generation Printing. The company is also using more recycled papers, including a new “house stock” FSC-certified mixed sheet with 50 percent recycled content,

Quebecor World Endures Loss MONTREAL—Embattled printing giant Quebecor World was socked with a loss of $21.1 million for the second quarter, or 20 cents a share. That is more than three times the $6.5 million (11 cents) net loss from the same period in 2006. Even so, Wes Lucas, Quebecor World president and CEO, reported that the North American operations produced significantly improved earnings, especially in the book and magazine divisions, where the firm’s retooling and restructuring program has been completed. Fire Strikes NJ Newspaper TRENTON, NJ—Contractors dismantling a printing press at The Times of Trenton accidentally ignited a fire, that newspaper reported. There were no injuries

MONTREAL—Embattled printing giant Quebecor World was socked with a loss of $21.1 million for the second quarter, or 20 cents a share. That is more than three times the $6.5 million (11 cents) net loss from the same period in 2006.Wes Lucas, Quebecor World president and CEO, said that the North American operations produced significantly…

International Best Practice Organization Has Evolved and Expanded into Major Global Force GHENT, BELGIUM—July 24, 2007—The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) has become one of the world’s most respected graphic arts best practice organizations, the group says on the occasion of its fifth anniversary. Chairperson David Zwang attributes the international association’s viability and solid credibility to the work of the group’s 45 members, all recognized as technological leaders and experts, and contributing their time and efforts on a completely voluntary basis. “The GWG deserves congratulations for its exemplary work. The GWG represents the best of our industry, in bringing together talented people, from all over

MONTREAL—Quebecor World has acquired Colorscope, a West Coast print imaging services provider with locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. As part of the move, Colorscope CEO Joseph Cha has been promoted to president of Quebecor World’s premedia division.The move bolsters Quebecor World’s premedia presence on the West Coast and provides some grounding in…

MONTREAL—Quebecor World is expanding its co-mail platform into the Northeast with two new 30-pocket machines, courtesy of a two-year exclusive agreement with co-mail machine manufacturer SIM Products. The increased capacity is expected to satisfy customer demand for co-mail services and aid magazine publishers and catalogers in mitigating the current postal rate increases.Quebecor World also secured…