Strategic Consolidation Opportunity of Well Respected Industry Players

MINNEAPOLIS, ARMONK, N.Y. and AUSTIN, Texas - Leading yearbook and scholastic affinity company, Jostens, Inc., and American Achievement Group Holding Corp. jointly announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement under which Jostens will acquire American Achievement, a premier provider of commemorative jewelry and recognition products such as class rings, yearbooks, letter jackets and other jewelry, including military and family products. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review, is expected to close not later than the second quarter of 2014, and to be accretive to the company's free cash flow in the first year of combined operations.

Jostens is a wholly owned subsidiary of Visant Corporation.  American Achievement's products and brands include Balfour®, Taylor, ArtCarved® and Keepsake®.  Fenway Partners, American Achievement's majority stockholder, purchased the company in 2004.

Mr. Marc Reisch, CEO and President of Visant, commenting on the transaction, stated, "American Achievement is an excellent company.  Bringing American Achievement and Jostens together will enhance the combined business' core capabilities and create a great platform to even better serve our customers, in addition to generating significant operating efficiencies for the company." 

Mr. Jim Simpson, CFO of Jostens, added, "The transaction brings together the talents of the two great companies and will enhance our opportunities to continue to provide the best products and services to our industry."

Mr. Steven Parr, American Achievement President and CEO, commented, "American Achievement and Jostens are a natural fit and by bringing together our strong brands and capabilities, we will help ensure a bright future for both companies.  With our complementary product lines and shared cultures of excellence, the combined company will be better positioned to maximize sales opportunities and capture operating efficiencies while better serving a growing customer base.  Jostens is the ideal partner to help preserve American Achievement's rich history while simultaneously facilitating continued growth, and I am looking forward to working with the Jostens team to complete this compelling transaction."

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has acted as legal advisor to Visant and Jostens in connection with the proposed transaction. Credit Suisse has provided committed loan financing to Visant in connection with the proposed transaction and is acting as sole lead arranger and bookrunner for the debt financing. KKR Capital Markets LLC assisted in placing the financing.  Ropes & Gray LLP and Wilmer Hale LLP have acted as legal advisors to American Achievement and Fenway.  Goldman, Sachs & Co. has acted as financial advisor to American Achievement in connection with the proposed transaction.