Fred Drasner

NEW YORK—One of the most prominent players in the graphic arts business is looking into the possibility of selling off its struggling operation. New York-based Applied Graphics Technologies (AGT), on the heels of widening operating losses due to difficulties with integrating two of the company's recent acquisitions, has appointed a new CEO and engaged an investment banking firm to "explore strategic alternatives to enhance value for its shareholders, including the possible sale of the company," officials say. The new CEO is Derek Ashley, replacing Fred Drasner, who continues in his role as chairman and will serve as chairman of the executive committee of the board.

Printing Impressions spotlights the premier color prepress operations in the United States. Rankings are based on self-reported, annual prepress sales figures. Total annual sales, which are sometimes a combination of prepress and printing revenues, were not used for ranking purposes. 1. Applied Graphics TechnologiesNew YorkPhone: (212) 929-4111Fax: (212) 929-8782Web: www.agt.comPrepress sales: $206 millionPlants: 50Employees: 3,559Principal officer: Fred Drasner, CEOSpecial services: OPI, DTP/CEPS links, Creative/design, Conventional photography, Digital photography, File prep for CTP, Digital asset management, CD-ROM/multimedia production, Audio/video, Web server, Web-site production, Facilities management 2. R.R. Donnelley & SonsChicagoPhone: (312) 326-8042Fax: (312) 326-7132Web: www.rrdonnelley.comPrepress sales: $150 millionPlants: 35Employees: 26,000Principal officer: