Commercial printer Dominion is acquiring offset digital printing and packaging company Graphitype, with the settlement slated for February 1.
Dominion CEO Kelvin Gage says the company was looking to expand and this opportunity came along so they took it. “Graphitype is a good company with good customers and we saw it as a good opportunity,” he says.
Dominion will keep the name Graphitype for now, and then in 12 months it will review its position.
Gage also says the company will be looking for acquisitions in the near future, but for now they want to consolidate Graphitype. “I think we have got to do justice to this one. We want to consolidate this without going too aggressive or hard to make sure it is done properly," he says. Gage says working with Graphitype owners Dave and Cath Morris has been amicable, friendly and mutually beneficial.
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Most of the Graphitype staff are moving to Dominion, with the rest taking other jobs. Dominion has taken some of the Graphitype equipment, with the rest being auctioned online by Graphitype on Feb 8-10. Included in the auction is a Heidleberg CD 74–6–P.
Gage says the move for Graphitype is part of a necessary trend, he says, “This industry needs to go through a lot of consolidation. There are two parts of the industry, those who want to continue to grow, and those who perhaps are looking to retire and get out.
“So Dominion fell into the category of those who are looking to grow, and the most best and obvious ways is acquisition,” he adds.
Gage says acquisitions in the printing industry are not slowing down anytime soon. “A lot more will continue and when it comes down to it, a lot more should happen,” he says.
“The market is shrinking, there is not as much print work around anymore, and not that much room for so many printing companies.”
Dominion specialise in short and long run spot and full colour printing.
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The world is a funny place. I first met Dave and Cath Morris in 1976 while looking for a unit to rent. I hesitated in the stair well but decided to continue and at least take a look. Dave and Cath met me at the door and said “dont mind the stairwell, come and take a look at the million dollar view – straight down the coast overlooking Tamarama beach just around from Bondi. At that time I was in the textile print industry and not long after they bought their first print shop. As happens after a couple of great years we lost contact but hooked up again at various Pacprints etc. The print industry has been fortunate to have good people like Dave and Cath involved and I am sure I am only one of many to wish them every happiness for their future after print.