Above: The Graphic Art Supplies team
Steve Murphy, sales director of Graphic Arts Supplies, says the Adelaide-based company is open to acquisitions, with the large format supplier aiming to double its footprint by the end of the year.
“We’re certainly open to the opportunities of either a joint venture, merger, or acquisition,” Murphy told Sprinter.
“We are always interested in similar sized businesses in our industry around the country that are looking to sell.”
It comes as the Adelaide-based business continues to expand its footprint across WA after launching in the market – its first outside of SA – 18 months ago. In response to its expansion, the company recently appointed former Starleaton executive Len Page as state sales manager for Western Australia.
“Graphic Arts Supplies’ view is that Perth and the broader WA market is a very important market and one that we take very seriously. While other players may focus on the eastern seaboard, it is Perth that we think has the best potential for growth,” Murphy said.
Since launching in WA, Graphic Arts Supplies is now turning its attention to expanding its footprint to Brisbane, with Murphy anticipating a post-pandemic ‘boom or bust year’ for the print industry.
“We feel that this year will very much be a boom or bust year for many players in the market, and we feel that we are well positioned in the market to have another year of growth.”
Murphy, along with his business partner Michael Clarke, acquired Adelaide-based Graphic Arts Supplies six years ago. Since then, the company has doubled in size,” with Murphy anticipating 20-25 per cent revenue growth this year.
“There are plans in the pipeline for an acquisition later this year which would see us double in size and give us more national reach.”
Graphic Arts Supplies recently completed installs of the Mutoh 661UF flatbed UV printer at Adelaide-based garment printing business Valerie Travers, and an Epson Sure Color S80600 at Adelaide-based specialist printing company Johns Print Centre.
In September 2023, Graphic Arts Supplies announced it would represent Mutoh products in SA and the NT, supplying the full range of eco-solvent, UV and sublimation printers, and its cutters and plotters.
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