Charlotte, NC – New Direction Partners (NDP) announced today that The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, Inc. (PICA) has become the latest regional affiliate of Printing Industries of America (PIA) to select NDP as a provider of M&A advisory services to its members.

NDP is an investment banking and financial consultancy specializing in the printing, packaging, and publishing industries.  The referral agreement with PICA facilitates the ability of the association's members to access assistance from NDP in mergers and acquisitions and other business activities at a specially discounted rate.  NDP has similar agreements with Printing Industries of New England, Printing Association of Florida, Printing & Graphics Association MidAtlantic, Printing Industries Alliance, Printing Industries of Michigan, Printing Industries of Wisconsin and Printing & Imaging Association Mountain States.

"At a time of heightened interest in consolidation throughout the industry, it's critical for our members to have access to reliable, professional advice when implementing business plans for their companies," said Jeff Stoudt, President of PICA.  "Being able to refer our members to NDP is an important addition to the range of membership benefits we offer them."

Tom Williams, an NDP partner, said, "We are pleased that PICA has chosen us as a primary source for its members to rely on when they're in need of advice and assistance regarding any aspect of buying or selling a business. We can assure them of confidentiality, professionalism and expert guidance at every step in the process."

Offering merger advisory services to both sellers and buyers, the Partners of NDP have facilitated more than 200 sales and mergers since 1979.  NDP also consults in valuation, financing and refinancing, turnaround and restructuring, and temporary/interim management planning.