Bambra Press has bought McKellar Renown to bring together two of Melbourne's best-known printing companies under one roof.
Less than a year since Wanless acquired graphic design and printing company, Allardice Print, he has backed up again to take advantage of "an opportunity that was too good to refuse. "I believe in buying good businesses and McKellar Renown is a very good name in the industry," said Wanless.
The decision to sell the business was made by long-term owners, brothers Stephen and John Norgate following John's recent retirement. In the past couple of years the business was run by the next generation of the Norgate family – Adam, Chris and Kerrie Norgate – who will move across with the brand to work with Bambra.
The intention is to retain the 70-year old McKellar Renown brand as a stand-alone business although practically none of the company's presses or production equipment will be retained. The Carnegie premises were sold recently, setting the ball in motion.
The younger members of the Norgate family bring considerable skill and passion to the new entity. Although they will be mainly in customer facing roles, John Wanless says he hopes to make use of their unique skill sets in production too.
He has a good track record now of acquiring printing businesses and successfully integrating them. The Allardice acquisition saw that business shift premises from the outer eastern suburbs to be next door to Bambra Press in Port Melbourne.
Even though he is pleased with the latest deal he admits it comes close on the integration of Allardice. "The timing wasn't fantastic, but you've got to be prepared to take advantage when it comes along," he said.
The question now remains, with two such stellar brands, which company has the most National Print Awards, and which one will win the most this year.