mergers & acquisitions 
West End Press, based in Knoxville, Victoria, has completed the purchase of well-respected Keysborough printer Colourcraft Printing off business partners Barry Haycroft and Barrie Crotty. The purchase provides a significant boost to proprietor Kevin Hall’s already sizeable company, which currently employs around 300 staff at its Knoxville and Mornington sites. It is the second acquisition in under 12 months for West End Press, following its purchase in December 2003 of Norcross, which operates in Victoria, NSW and the ACT. The distribution and logistics company, which continues to operate as a separate entity, was an ideal move considering West End Press’ servicing of the three states. April 2004 saw the opening of a brand new site dedicated to this service.

West End Press already offers an impressive portfolio of printing capabilities, including stationery, point of purchase materials, four colour poster and brochure work, on demand digital print, continuous print, variable data-driven direct mail, labels and plastic cards. It also offers a range of print management, data management, warehousing, design, and fulfilment services.

The purchase of the 23 year old Colourcraft Printing adds strength to West End Press particularly in the areas of book, full-colour, and variable-data printing. The company is well known in the region, being a four-time National Print Awards winner (2003 – Innovation and Specialty, 2001 - Self Promotion, 1999 - Calendars, and 1998 - Greeting Cards) and member of the Victorian Manufacturers Hall of Fame. It is also a three-time Heidelberg award winner – the only printer in Australia to achieve this feat.