There have been a number of higher-profile acquisitions in the ink industry, mostly centered on the flexible packaging ink market (Toyo Ink buying Fluid Ink Technology, Flint Group acquiring Torda Ink) and narrow web and label segment (Siegwerk purchasing Environmental Inks & Coatings).

There have also been two acquisitions of note in the sheetfed ink market in recent months.

First, Great Western Ink acquired Farbotech, a sheetfed ink specialist headquartered in Los Angeles, in July 2011. Both companies are members of the Print Suppliers Group (PSG), and the merger strengthens the product portfolio of both companies while also giving Great Western Ink a strong entry into the greater Los Angeles area.

In a similar acquisition involving two PSG members, Grand Rapids Printing Ink (GRPI) recently acquired Miller Cooper Company. Headquartered in Merriam, KS and branches in St. Peters, MO, and Denver, CO, Miller Cooper brings a wealth of products and talent as well as new markets in the Midwest to GRPI.

“Miller Cooper has a great reputation in the Midwest markets,” said John Toigo, president of GRPI, which has two subsidiaries of its own, Columbus Printing Ink in Hillyard, OH, and Ohio Valley Ink, Covington, KY. “We have had a long relationship with them, and they were looking for a strategic partner with a similar product line that showed the ability to grow. This allows us to expand our product lines at both companies as well as growing our ability to service our customers.

“They have a great team, and we are excited to bring our two teams together,” Mr. Toigo added. “We are in a great spot to grow.”