According to Paul Holohan, chief executive of M&A specialist Richmond Capital Partners, alliances are "especially suited" to the print industry.
He said: "There is a tendency to go for organic growth, or for a full merger or acquisition. However, a strategic alliance can deliver the same benefits at a lower cost and reduced risk. A strategic alliance can open up opportunities that may not be possible for one company alone.
While strategic partnerships are commonplace among suppliers to the print sector, they have yet to catch on amongst the majority of print businesses.
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"'Support our ongoing growth? Growing in a declining market = more market share, and is last man standing strategy. That worked equally as well for Polestar...."
"Maybe now is the time for those publishers that rely on these guys to help them out for a change. No one left in the pub but the brawler who's knocked everyone out and now can't get a..."
"Another sad day for the industry, only made worse after reading that Ian Shenton is heading up the rescue bid... This guy has had more failed takeovers than Santa has reindeers. Just search on..."
Up next...
Investor exit 'not unexpected'
Walstead Group being put up for sale
Replaces the Pro C5300 series
Ricoh enhances usability and print quality with new range
Impressed with quality
Kall Kwik WGC boosts capabilities with new Revoria
Volumes on JICMail’s panel increased by 5%