McPherson’s shareholders give ringing endorsement to Opus merger

The deal to merge the two print groups passed the final hurdle at a meeting on Wednesday, being endorsed by 97% of shareholders.

Brigstocke, chief executive of Opus Group and soon-to-be group chief executive of the combined entity, told ProPrint he was “very excited” about “two good groups coming together and what that’s going to mean for our client base”.

“The main strategy is to drive the benefits of the synergies of bringing the businesses together for our clients,” he said.

“From an industry consolidation perspective, it’s something we’ve worked hard at for the benefit of our clients.”

The deal is expected to be finalised on 30 March. The new company will be called Opus Group and is expected to be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange on 10 April.

Brigstocke said that would be followed by a thorough review of facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, New Zealand and Singapore, adding that it was too early to speculate about any jobs cuts.

McPherson’s Printing chief executive Alan Fahy told ProPrint he didn’t want to comment on the deal as it had not been officially completed.

Wednesday’s meeting also confirmed Bill Mackarell as chairman of the new company and Richard Celarc, Bret Jackson, Matthew McGrath and James Sclater as directors.

Mackarell said the two companies were a perfect fit as they were “very complementary”.

“Opus Group’s three divisions – publishing, government and outdoor area – are each leaders in their field,” he said.

“McPherson’s Printing stands to benefit significantly by being able to leverage Opus’ substantial network spanning the Asia-Pacific region as well as the latest in digital asset management, specifically electronic content and delivery.”

Mackarell also paid tribute to Brigstocke, who led Opus since it was founded in 2007.

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