Cactus has its
main Australian production centre in Silverwater NSW, with a further sales and
prepress operation in Melbourne. Former partner
Keith Ferrel will remain with the company as general manager.
The deal
represents the latest move by Knox into wide format, which began 12 months ago
when it bought New Zealand business
Omnigraphics. It then bought F Digital and F Display, also in New Zealand, and merged
them into the Omnigraphic site at the start of the year. Five months ago it
bought Cactus Imaging New Zealand.
Knox is a
relatively new name to print, it originally came in as the private equity fund
behind the buyout of short run book printer Ligare Press, and shortly after
bought one of Ligare's main rivals Souithwood Press
Cliff
Brigstocke, CEO of Knox Print Media Group says, "The wide and grand format
printing sectors are set to realise strong growth in the coming years. Knox believes
it is well placed to capitalise on this growth. With the purchase of Cactus
Imaging in Australia we have the
production power, market knowledge and in-house expertise to deliver the
service the market requires."
The Cactus
Australia purchase may not be the final piece in the wide format growth plan
for Knox, Brigstocke says the company mayl be looking to add suitable
businesses along the Australian east coast. Knox is also planning a significant
capex in the Silverwater plant. At the same time the Knox book arm – Ligare and
Southwood – will receive a significant capex on digital book production this
year.
Brigstocke says,
"With Cactus Imaging Australia joining our
growing network of specialist print providers, we can now deliver grand and
wide format print solutions in both New Zealand and Australia. A trans-Tasman offering is important for
our customers who have locations in Australia and New Zealand as it ensures seamless production, the
latest in technology and consistency whilst delivering the benefits of
economies of scale".
Keith Ferrel says that after recent
consultation with his business partner, they recognised the opportunity to join
with a larger print specialist group in order to realise longer term goals, he
says, "Knox Print Media has a proven record in supporting small to medium
size specialist print business by developing a sound growth plan. The Knox team
have a wealth of knowledge and their support during the transition phase has
been fantastic. For me it is the best of both worlds, I remain in the business
that I love and am passionate about, and have partners who will support me to
further grow the business. For our customers, my message is business as usual
with many potential benefi ts as we connect with the Knox Print Media group".
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