Amherst, New York – Mergers and acquisitions remain one of the key topics for the Graphic Communications industry. In an environment where organic growth can be challenging, many companies continue to look for acquisition opportunities that will get them into new markets, expand their geographic footprint, or help them win a new key customer. Additionally, entrepreneurs or private equity are finding printing companies attractive as acquisition targets as well. On the seller side, a sale to the right purchaser at the right time has become a popular exit strategy for many owners, while others utilize a strategic merger to spread expenses across a broader portfolio of customers or services and to achieve much needed economies of scale.

In making this announcement, PIA President Tim Freeman commented, “Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or neither, you likely will be some day, and you need to have the latest information on the M&A front to be prepared for the future. That’s exactly the information that will be presented at the 2020 Printing Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Symposium!”

This program is scheduled for March 19, 2020, at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. For complete details and to register, visit https://printcommunications.org/events/printing-industry-mergers-acquisitions-symposium/.

The following, and more, will be covered during the program:

• What are the key factors that influence EBITA multiples?
• What markets are hot — and what are not?
• What types of transactions are conducted and what are their underlying strategies?
• How do I build the value of my business and avoid the mistakes that will affect my ability to sell down the road?
• What is the impact of my technology infrastructure on the value of my business, and how should I phase my investments for optimum valuation and performance?
• How do buyers and sellers connect and what happens once they do?
• What are the key business, legal, and insurance issues I need to understand if I am considering buying, selling, or merging?
• Why is it important to have a succession plan in place and to keep it updated; and what are the most important considerations in developing one?
• Lessons learned from companies experiencing a sale, merger, or purchase.

The program is being jointly sponsored by Print & Graphic Communications Association and the Graphic Arts Association. Together, these organizations, with over 450 members collectively, represent the graphic communications industry in New York State, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

GAA President Melissa Jones remarked, “The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott was chosen as a location for this program because it is easily accessible via air from most of North America as well as by train and auto for attendees located along the Northeast Corridor.”

Confirmed presenters include Paul Reilly, Peter Schaffer, Jim Russell, and Tom Williams from New Direction Partners (NDP), the premier Mergers & Acquisitions firm in the graphic communications industry. New Direction Partners has had a hand in over 300 mergers and acquisitions in the printing and packaging industries since 1979.

Also slated to present:

• Larry Gilroy, President of Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy (GKG), one of the leading insurance consultancies in the Northeast.

Additional presentations are planned during this highly interactive symposium, including several panel discussions and ample networking opportunities, with a full agenda to be announced in November. The goal of the event is for attendees to leave with actionable ideas that will help better position their businesses for a profitable future.

Interested parties are encouraged to watch their mail, email and the trade press for additional information on the 2020 Printing Industry Mergers &Acquisitions Symposium. Visit https://printcommunications.org/events/printing-industry-mergers-acquisitions-symposium/ or contact Print & Graphic Communications Association at 716-691-3211, tim@printcommunications.org or Graphic Arts Association at 215-396-2300, mjones@gaaonline.org.

About our Participating Organizations

Print & Graphic Communications Association (PGCA) is the trade association representing graphic communications firms in New York State, Northern New Jersey and Northwestern Pennsylvania. PIA is headquartered in Amherst, NY. Graphic Arts Association (GAA) is the trade association representing graphic communications firms in Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. GAA is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. New Direction Partners (NDP) is the leading middle market investment banking firm for the printing and packaging industries. With offices across the United States, NDP provides buyer and seller services across all markets and geographic locations. Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy (GKG) provide risk management services to a variety of clients across the United States and have a significant focus on issues impacting graphic communications companies. GKG is located in New Hartford, NY.