Steve Katz, Editor06.03.15
Over the last couple months, we’ve learned of some big news coming from a few label companies I’ve gotten to know well. Each case involves the formation of a “Group.” Though they have their differences, what these individual stories have in common is the notion of creating strength by forming a unified front.
In October 2013, I wrote about MEI Labels in our “Companies to Watch” feature. At the time, the Oklahoma-based flexo label printer had recently acquired Dallas, TX-based TVC Label, an operation focused on digital and shrink sleeve label printing. Leading off our Industry News section in this issue is the announcement that the two companies are no longer operating as separate entities, and are under one name – Infinite Packaging Group. It’s a rebranding initiative, symbolizing the company’s intention to expand the core label business and develop a broader platform of packaging products.
Last month, we reported on a similar story, announcing the formation of Fortis Solutions Group. Again, the new “Group” combines the strengths of two companies – Labels Unlimited and A&M Label – under one umbrella, to let customers know there’s more to its offering than labels. Again, it’s a case of combining the strengths of flexo and digital technology.
Reid Label & Digital Graphics, a Massachusetts-based company I profiled in 2010 also made headlines this issue with the acquisition of New England Label in Vermont. Reid, whose strengths lie in digital and silkscreen printing, and also has a document printing division, now improves its presence in the region while enhancing its servicing of the retail and consumable label markets. In addition to the acquisition, Reid also announced the formation of the New England Label Group, a management company put together to facilitate future acquisitions.
With these three aforementioned stories, one thing is clear: the M&A trend continues. Six companies are now three. In each case, ownership decided that as opposed to adding equipment and capability that was lacking, the more effective play was to add or join forces with another company – a competitor – and reposition itself as a label or packaging “Group” with an expanded and enhanced breadth of products to offer. I’ll be keeping an eye on these new entities, and I look forward to following up with each of them.
Speaking of a breadth of products to offer, this issue also doubles as our 2015 International Buyers Guide. Here we list the names and contact information of more than 500 label industry suppliers, covering everything from consumables to equipment to services. We have tried to make the listings and supplier categories as comprehensive as possible. Though at the speed in which our industry is evolving, we welcome suggestions for additional categories.
Steve Katz, Editor
skatz@rodmanmedia.com
Twitter: @LabelSteve
In October 2013, I wrote about MEI Labels in our “Companies to Watch” feature. At the time, the Oklahoma-based flexo label printer had recently acquired Dallas, TX-based TVC Label, an operation focused on digital and shrink sleeve label printing. Leading off our Industry News section in this issue is the announcement that the two companies are no longer operating as separate entities, and are under one name – Infinite Packaging Group. It’s a rebranding initiative, symbolizing the company’s intention to expand the core label business and develop a broader platform of packaging products.
Last month, we reported on a similar story, announcing the formation of Fortis Solutions Group. Again, the new “Group” combines the strengths of two companies – Labels Unlimited and A&M Label – under one umbrella, to let customers know there’s more to its offering than labels. Again, it’s a case of combining the strengths of flexo and digital technology.
Reid Label & Digital Graphics, a Massachusetts-based company I profiled in 2010 also made headlines this issue with the acquisition of New England Label in Vermont. Reid, whose strengths lie in digital and silkscreen printing, and also has a document printing division, now improves its presence in the region while enhancing its servicing of the retail and consumable label markets. In addition to the acquisition, Reid also announced the formation of the New England Label Group, a management company put together to facilitate future acquisitions.
With these three aforementioned stories, one thing is clear: the M&A trend continues. Six companies are now three. In each case, ownership decided that as opposed to adding equipment and capability that was lacking, the more effective play was to add or join forces with another company – a competitor – and reposition itself as a label or packaging “Group” with an expanded and enhanced breadth of products to offer. I’ll be keeping an eye on these new entities, and I look forward to following up with each of them.
Speaking of a breadth of products to offer, this issue also doubles as our 2015 International Buyers Guide. Here we list the names and contact information of more than 500 label industry suppliers, covering everything from consumables to equipment to services. We have tried to make the listings and supplier categories as comprehensive as possible. Though at the speed in which our industry is evolving, we welcome suggestions for additional categories.
Steve Katz, Editor
skatz@rodmanmedia.com
Twitter: @LabelSteve