Mergers and acquisitions

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Printing & Packaging Machinery and Ryobi are planning a joint venture that could result in the marriage of their sheetfed offset press operations worldwide.

Acquisitions have a murky reputation, as we have all seen too many pre-pack administrations to feel at ease with the subject. Do it well, though, and merging with another firm could be your best move...

Loveurope has acquired London-based creative post-production business Locomotion and is eyeing further deals in 2013.

Sweden's Lessebo mill has been saved from closure after Norwegian investors bought the assets from its previous owner, insolvent Vida Paper.

Sussex, WI-based Quad/Graphics this week finalised its acquisition of direct marketing powerhouse Vertis out of bankruptcy for a net amount of $170m.

Speculation is rife as to who the identity of the mystery bidder pursuing Xeikon after the Belgian digital press manufacturer announced the possible takeover last week.

PrintWeek can confirm that Sir John Madejski has become a shareholder in Polestar Print Holdings, which acquired Madejski's Goodhead Group in a pre-pack deal last year.

UK-based Paragon Print and Packaging says that a majority share deal with Sun European Partners will enable it to progress future acquisition plans.

DC Thomson has bought independent publisher Scottish Wedding Directory, including its magazine and website, for an undisclosed sum.

Two Memphis-area printers, Toof Commercial Printing and American Digital, have merged with the intention of taking advantage of the city's role as a packaging/cargo hub.