Southwood is based in Sydney's
inner west, and has been printing since 1966. Ligare has recently been the
recipient of the flood of private equity flowing into print, with Knox Investment
becoming the major owner of the company four months ago.
Ligare's new CEO Cliff Brigstocke says, "It is very exciting to have Southwood
Press join Ligare. Over the years we have been consistently impressed by the
people at Southwood and the quality of their work.
"Given the degree of current and likely market change, this acquisition
will bring greater scale to Ligare from which we can better support our
customers. I warmly welcome the Southwood team who will be joining us."
Southwood Press managing director Chris Barnes says: "We are proud of
our achievements at Southwood Press, having been in business since 1966 with
over 40 years of printing experience serving Australian publishing.
"As the Australian publishing industry has grown and evolved, the
printing industry has also experienced continual change in both technology and
structure. Southwood Press is now pleased to announce a new business
partnership with Ligare Book Printers," he said.
When considering the merger, Barnes took the view that: "Our business,
staff and customers would all be better served if we joined forces with a
strong local independent printer such as Ligare. We also anticipate that
Australian publishers will welcome a more competitive local player in the
printing industry.
"The core staff, the skills and the commitment to quality production
will remain and be enhanced by the merger. Ligare has an excellent reputation
in the industry and we are very pleased to be joining forces with
them," he said.
A comprehensive integration plan has been put in place to ensure business as
usual for both Ligare and Southwood customers and suppliers when the official
merger of the two businesses takes place next Monday, October 8.
The last couple of months has seen significant growth in Ligare. Back
in June of this year Ligare took on a new business partner Knox
Investment Partners and in July appointed Cliff Brigstocke as CEO and
Grant Wastie as COO.
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