mergers & acquisitions 
Melbourne-based printers, Lithocraft of South Melbourne and LynchPrint of Cheltenham will merge in a move the principals say will deliver a wider range of services to customers than ever before. "The merging of Lithocraft and LynchPrint gives us a bigger footprint in the Australian market, an immediate boost to growth and contributes to the long-term stability of both businesses," says Kevin Pidgeon, managing director of Lithocraft.

The merger adds further weight to Lithocraft’s commitment to offering print solutions for all types of customers. LynchPrint’s expertise in short-run work and Lithocraft’s expertise in the longer-runs compliment each other perfectly and will enable customers to access a broader range of printing options under the one roof than ever before, says Pidgeon.

Lithocraft and LynchPrint are a good fit, both having strong cultural similarities and complementary customer bases. Both businesses are focused on service and building strong customer relationships, allowing customer needs to drive their decision making.

"Our customers want to deal with one printer who can do it all," continues Pidgeon. "Lithocraft has always been an expert in longer-run jobs and LynchPrint in short-run, quick turnaround jobs.

"Merging brings all this experience together and enables us to offer our customers the greatest possible flexibility backed up by the highest standard of quality control."

Both Lithocraft and LynchPrint have long histories. Lithocraft was started in 1962 by Iain Morley. He was joined in the business by Kevin Pidgeon in 1968 and they have been business partners ever since.

LynchPrint director, Ian Lynch began his career with Lithocraft in the 1980s. In 1988, he bought LynchPrint, with Lithocraft as a minor shareholder. Lynch bought out Lithocraft’s shareholding in 1995.

In the newly merged business, Lynch will take up a position on the Lithocraft board.

LynchPrint will become part of Lithocraft from August 1 2006 and move into Lithocraft’s new premises on March 1 2007.

The new purpose-built facility at Laverton North is being designed by process engineering experts, Eurografica.

Lithocraft is currently using two MAN Roland presses, an eight-colour 708 and a five-colour 705 with coater.

The company is also planning on installing a new A2 size press, though no decision has yet been made as to supplier of the machine. It is expected to be installed at the new premises early in 2007.