National wide format supplier Starleaton has bought DES in a major supplier consolidation, which will see the two companies join forces within six months.
Starleaton is a major player in the signage sector while DES is a key operator in the commercial print market, both have a national footprint. Both are family owned companies.
All DES staff will be retained, as will the DES head office in Rhodes. There will be some warehouse consolidation around the country with both business operating nationally out of capital cities.
Ben Eaton, CEO of the Starleaton group says, “We have a strategy of growth through acquisition, DES is a perfect fit, we share the same values and operate in different but related markets.”
Eaton says “Over the past few years we have seen an enormous amount of compression in the Australian market in both the supply and print production corners of the industry. I have had great respect for DES over the years as I have watched the business grow both organically and through acquisitions of its own. The opportunity to bring two great brands under one roof furthers our plans while staying true to our message of offering a market leading portfolio of products and service.
“It is not often you find two family owned businesses that share the same passion and culture. This really is an exciting next move for us.”
Ian Clare, managing director of DES says, “Having spent the past few decades building the DES brand to what it is today, we were keen to see our efforts continue to be built on in the years to come. In that regard Starleaton clearly shares many of our philosophies that have driven our business to where it is today – a focus on leading brands and high quality products, and strong and reliable customer service.”
Integration of Starleaton Digital Solutions (SDS) and DES will be effected over the next six months with Ian Clare, managing director of DES, continuing with the business to facilitate the process. DES is a well established supplier across a broad spectrum of print sectors, serving markets across Australia through its head office in Sydney, and offices and warehouses in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Canberra, and in New Zealand.
Founded in 1961, DES built a strong business in the CAD/GIS sector specialising in document management systems. Moving into the graphic arts sector, DES became a leader in colour management solutions working closely with other industry heavies such as EFI, CGS, and Mitsubishi.
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