December 2024 M&A Activity: The Target Report Zig-Zagging
Printing companies are increasingly looking to expand their services beyond just printing by acquiring companies that cater to their customers’ communication needs in other ways. Even though digital media is on the rise, print still plays a crucial role in today’s messaging landscape. Companies in the print industry that are proactive about growing through mergers and acquisitions often find themselves acquiring businesses that complement rather than compete with their core printing services.
RR Donnelley, now owned by Chatham Asset Management, recently made headlines with its acquisition of Williams Lea. This move reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing their business support offerings in the Digital, Creative, and Business Support Services segment. For Williams Lea, the acquisition marks a return to its printing roots, dating back to the 19th century when it started as a traditional printing business in London.
Over the years, Williams Lea evolved from a printing company to a global player with operations on three continents, employing over 8,000 people. The company’s innovative print management model, introduced in 2000 with a groundbreaking contract with AXA insurance, revolutionized the industry by taking over the management of all print production activities for clients like AXA. This not only resulted in cost savings for clients but also led to a shift in how print services were procured and managed.
Under the ownership of Deutsche Post, Williams Lea continued to expand its services by acquiring Tag Worldwide in 2011, a move that allowed the company to offer creative, prepress, and production services. This strategic acquisition enabled Williams Lea to move upstream in the value chain, aligning with Deutsche Post’s focus on logistics and supply chain expertise.
The story of Williams Lea showcases the evolution of a traditional printing business into a global leader in print management and business process outsourcing. By adapting to changing market trends and embracing innovation, Williams Lea has carved out a unique position in the industry, bridging the gap between print providers and their enterprise-level customers.
