Sydney’s Dominion Print Group has acquired 30-year old commercial print business Graphitype Printing Services from retiring co-owners/directors Dave and Kath Morris.
Early in the new year, most of the staff and some of the machinery from Graphitype’s operation at Kings Park in Sydney’s west will make the 20-minute trip across town to Dominion’s 3.5 thousand square metres of factory space in Silverwater.
“Nobody’s gone broke so it’s really a good news story for the industry,” says Kelvin Gage, Dominion’s CEO. “I’ve known Dave and Kath for a while, we’ve worked together for years and I heard recently they were looking to retire. Both companies have shared a strong relationship over a number of years and this acquisition is mutually beneficial.
“A lot of people in the industry hang on for too long until there’s nothing left, but Dave and Kath have decided ‘enough is enough’, they’ve found a buyer and it’s all gone very well.”
Four years ago, the Graphitype co-owners sold the pharmaceutical arm of their business – which produced labels and leaflets for pharmaceutical customers - to a Canadian multinational for $7 million.
Gage says Dominion Print is constantly on the lookout for good quality businesses to add to its operation.
“They are a very solid commercial print business with a very good customer base and some terrific staff, most of whom will be making the move to Silverwater,” says Gage. The acquisition will boost Dominion’s staff numbers to about 60. “We’re still finalising details but we’ll be taking a selection of key equipment from Graphitype and the older machines will be auctioned off.”
The sale process is expected to be completed by early February.