Three years ago (June 2000), THE EAGLE detailed trends and developments related to small and midsize graphic arts dealers. This article updates that report in light of recent and upcoming dealer acquisitions and addresses how the overall position of these dealers has changed. THE EAGLE looks - again - at whether there is a viable future for smaller and midsize independents and if so, under what conditions.

The commentary of three years ago began ominously: "Large in number but limited in influence, the small and midsize graphic arts supply dealers hold a dubious position in the graphic arts industry today. Politically, many feel abandoned, yet, ruefully acknowledge that impersonal market forces have largely placed them outside the industry's mainstream… The message received by the dealers is one of obsolescence or irrelevance. Some resent even being in the presence of their vendors alongside the larger dealers. The sense of being disregarded is palpable."
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Immediately after THE EAGLE's year 2000 analysis of small and midsize dealers, an event occurred which many believed verified the skeptical report of THE EAGLE and portended the plight of other dealers in coming years. It was the collapse and liquidation of Besco Graphic Systems. Besco had in earlier days been among the country's largest dealerships, but by the time of its demise, it was classified as a mid-size company.

This past year, the industry witnessed another stalwart regional company, Northeastern Graphic Supply in New England, go under bankruptcy protection.