Blue Star Print surprise buyout of National Capital Printing

The takeover, which includes Complete Mail & Warehousing (CMW) gives Blue Star Print Australia a valuable strategic advantage in the current transformation of the printing industry in the region. NCP is a highly regarded, award winning company owned by Michael Smith, which has a high profile and is active in the lucrative federal government arena.

According to Geoff Selig, CEO of Blue Star Print Group Australia, the acquisition of NCP, taking effect on June 1, provides both an expanded geographical footprint and increased access to a market that the company has not aggressively pursued to date. “This latest acquisition combined with our ongoing investment across other parts of the business significantly increases our capacity to offer a broader range of products and solutions to NCP’s customers in this key market. I am delighted that Michael Smith current managing director and all members of the senior management team have entered into long term employment agreements with Blue Star. All staff have been retained and from our perspective it is business as usual for both NCP and CMW.”

Equipped with the latest in Heidelberg long perfecting presses it has the archetypical printing profile for PE acquisition. The takeover is a swift riposte to GEON’s buyout of Promentum and intensifies the rivalry between the two PE-backed trans-Tasman printing companies.

Blue Star Print comprises two sheetfed companies on either side of the Tasman, owned by the Auckland-based Blue Star Group, which is majority owned by CHAMP Private Equity. The Australian company comprises Link Printing, Kings Mailing Services and Craftsman as well as BSP Integrated Solutions and BSP Logistics.

“Blue Star has continued to grow strongly over the last five years both organically and through acquisition. We continue to seek out potential acquisitions of aligned businesses as we grow market share. It is part of a cohesive strategy based on acquisitions, extensive capital investment and innovation,” said Selig.


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