Challenges Aplenty in Rationalizing the Combined Quad/Graphics and Worldcolor

Large Print Buyers’ Reaction

It has been suggested that large print buyers will be upset at losing a major low cost supplier. That old dog will always howl.

Multi-title publishers are naturally concerned that there are only two giant vendors, who have proven never to participate in reverse auction pricing regardless of the “promised” volumes. Smart publishers will discover stable, solid regional web printers that can lay down any dot, offer flexible customer service and schedules, and fair prices.

It will be exciting to see how this unfolds. Whether Quad realizes the Angelson-promised $225 million in synergies in the first two years will probably never be known. The North American printing industry will be stronger for the exercise. And the whole industry wishes Quad well in the process.