Senior figures in the print industry have been largely positive, or at worst ambivalent about the mega merger between PMP and IPMG that has just been given the green light by the ACCC.

Peter George, CEO, PMP says, “We are delighted to now be able to complete the merger. It creates the opportunity for us to build a competitive and sustainable new company with significant synergy benefits.”

IPMG was not saying anything, the owners and senior execs saying they were constrained by PMP’s public status, but there is no doubt the champagne corks would have been popping over the weekend.

Geoff Selig, head of IVE – identified by ACCC chief as Rod Sims as the main competitor for the new company – says, “The decision was not a surprise, but we are focused on our own business. IVE is making significant investments and is looking to publishing its results next week.”

Peter Orel, CEO, Finsbury Green says, "It is a good thing for the industry and the two companies."

Kellie Northwood, executive director, Australian Catalogue Association says, “The ACA is pleased with the ACCC’s decision to support the merger. The catalogue and wider print industry has experienced, and continues to experience, significant challenges which require strategic consideration to ensure a strong future.

“The ACA would like to thank the industry, retailers, and key stakeholders who have given valuable time and support over the past year in regards to this issue, helping build a sustainable future for the industry.

“The ACA is also grateful to the ACCC's consideration of our submission and to our ongoing engagement. Congratulations of course to PMP and IPMG on today's news.”

In terms of the lobbying effort in government, PIAA also expressed strong support to the merger in an ACCC submission. Andrew Macaulay and Mary-Jo Fischer of PIAA were in Canberra advocating for the merger the previous Tuesday.

Andrew Macaulay, CEO, PIAA says, “We met with them in Canberra on Tuesday morning and made our case, after going to PIAA membership to see their views. Of those who responded to our question it was unanimous that this merger should not be destructed.

“We were very active at the request of our members and IPMG. The feedback from our membership was that the merger needed to proceed and would be good for the industry. We took that argument to the ACCC and had multiple meetings about that and are very pleased to see the outcome.

“The concern in the industry was that a private sector decision was being negatively affected by government. Our members felt that was a negative in a free-market, entrepreneurial industry such as print.

“The feedback I have had from members is that it is great that the association has made a mark and followed their will on an issue that directly affects the industry.

“We are happy the ACCC listened to the voice of the industry. I look forward to the benefits of innovation and efficiency flowing through this merger at that end of the market.”

Lorraine Cassin, national print division secretary, Australian Manufacturers Workers Union, says, “We have contacted both employers seeking a consultation meeting to sit down and discuss what the implications of the merger are and how to avert job losses.

“Our members have told us that they were comfortable, they felt this was probably the only path forward for the consolidation of the industry.”

Phil Oakhill, CEO, PMA Global, says “I think the merger was inevitable. Consolidation is what it is all about. Those big organisations have been losing money for 5 years, if they get themselves together and nationalise they might start making some.

“I think it is a good thing. It does not affect us, as we are not in magazines, and that is our main point of difference. We do small runs from time to time but nothing in their league. If anything, we refer clients to them.

“Time will tell.”

Rod Pahl is the spokesperson in regards to the merger, and says, “For Peter George and the Hannan group it is an opportunity to build a sustainable company.

“The industry has had significant challenges and what the merger allows IPMG and PMP to do is create a sustainable long term business which will be able to focus on customers, with a high-value scalable marketing solutions.

“It is a merger which, as the ACCC has said, reflects how the industry has changed.

“It is better placed to address the industry issues that everyone knows about, able to provide customers with the level of service and value that they are looking for. The merger is a logical step given the market conditions.”

In regards to what will be done with employees, and excess equipment of the two companies, Pahl says, “We will be looking for synergies too, so that we can address the best way to provide services for clients and compete well against the IVE group, and other competitors.

“The details will be worked on in regards to plant closures. It is too early to nominate those, and we need to discuss any changes with the employees and unions beforehand.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter