Blue Star Group, a division of ASX-listed IVE Group, has boosted its mailing business with the acquisition of Sydney direct mail and digital communications company The Mailing House (TMH).
It's the fourth major deal by Blue Star Group this year, following the takeovers of Frost Merchandising, Fineline Printing and direct communications service provider LCS Connect.
The agreement will be completed on 30 September 2016 and the majority of TMH's staff and machinery at Rydalmere will move ten kilometres across town to IVE headquarters at Homebush in Sydney's inner west, where TMH will be integrated into IVE's communications division Blue Star DIRECT.
"TMH is a very respected mailing house with great staff and customers," says Matt Aitken, chief operating officer, IVE Group. "It's really about combining the company with our mailing house business and making it even stronger."
TMH has 30 years’ experience delivering a range of customised direct and digital communications services across a number of industry sectors, such as direct mail, data management services and email communications. Customers include Australia Post, Fuji Xerox and the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
“We saw the fit immediately in terms of people, culture, customers and technology," says TMH director and co-owner Lindsay May, who will be making the move to Blue Star DIRECT along with co-owner Allen Elliot. Two other TMH co-owners are retiring.
"We needed to grow the business, and technology in this day and age requires a significant investment," says May. "We're a medium-sized mailing house, on the second tier after the big guys, and one of our strengths is personalised direct mail. I've signed a long-term contract with Blue Star and will first be involved with facilitating the transition of customers. The integrated business will have an outstanding offer and extension of services to our current client base."
Half a dozen of TMH's digital print and mail inserting machines will be delivered to Homebush over the long weekend at the beginning of October.
David Veness, GM, Blue Star DIRECT NSW, says it's an exciting move that will benefit both businesses. "We’ve admired the TMH offer and their approach to market for many years. We welcome the TMH team into the business and look forward to working together to expand our offer to the market.”
Cliff Brigstocke, CEO, Blue Star Group, adds: “TMH is a leader in their field, known for their absolute commitment to customer service which over 30 years has been developed to now include digital communications. I see a great combination of talent, technology and culture that strengthens our offer to market”.
IVE Group employs 1,300 people across operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, China and New Zealand. Blue Star DIRECT has facilities in Sydney and Melbourne.