SUSSEX, Wis., July 6 -- Quad/Graphics announces it has purchased a majority interest in Openfirst, a leading direct mail communications provider. Recognized for its expertise in processing complex data files for expedited mail-piece production, Openfirst will enhance Quad/Graphics' already established presence and capabilities in the growing direct mail industry. Openfirst will operate as a subsidiary of Quad/Graphics, maintaining its name, facilities and management team, which is led by Openfirst President & CEO Robert Kraft. Mr. Kraft, a veteran of the direct marketing, commercial printing and document management industries, founded the company in 1996. "Openfirst is a premier direct mail communications company that shares our commitment to advancing ink on paper through the use of leading-edge technology," said Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics' President & CEO. "Openfirst's lettershop capabilities complement our direct marketing expertise. Together, we'll be able to leverage each other's platforms to offer a broader array of services to marketers everywhere." "With Quad/Graphics' financial strength, we'll be able to continue on our trajectory of growth by providing our clients with timely, highly relevant and cost-effective one-to-one communications solutions," Mr. Kraft said. "We are proud to be part of such a forward-thinking company like Quad/Graphics." Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Openfirst has approximately 400 employees who work from production facilities in Milwaukee and Fredericksburg, Va. The 10-year-old company will generate more than $40 million in sales in 2006. Openfirst serves franchise-based, direct-mail-revenue-dependent companies in the automotive, financial, retail and insurance industries, among others. The company's services encompass targeted direct mail, localized marketing programs, and statement and bill processing. Through a distinctive suite of services that range from strategic planning to automated data processing, postal delivery efficiency and response tracking, Openfirst offers its clients the benefits of faster production cycle times, fewer errors, reduced costs and improved response. Openfirst's capabilities complement Quad/Graphics' direct mail services, which leverage Quad/Graphics' entire manufacturing platform to produce communications pieces with highly targeted content on a mass scale.