MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ – Kingery Printing Company, Effingham, IL-based commercial printer providing a full suite of prepress, sheetfed and web printing, binding, and distribution services, has announced the acquisition, effective December 1^st, of United Graphics, LLC, Mattoon, IL, a digital and offset printing company specializing in the manufacturing of books, catalogs, guides, and newsletters. Graphic Arts Advisors, LLC (GAA), Mountain Lakes, NJ, a strategic financial advisory and consulting firm devoted exclusively to all sectors of the graphic communications industry, represented Kingery Printing in the acquisition, with GAA Director John Hyde, Esq. serving as lead advisor on the purchase.

Under the agreement, United Graphics, LLC, and its Mattoon facility will become part of the Kingery Printing Company organization, which, in addition to its Effingham headquarters and manufacturing facility, also includes a plant in Henry, IL. John Wurtsbaugh, president of United Graphics, becomes Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kingery Printing, overseeing operations at all three facilities.

Prior to the acquisition, the two companies, both family-owned second-generation organizations, have worked together on a number of collaborative projects and discovered that they shared a common philosophy and culture. At the same time, they have distinct service offerings which, when combined, will provide customers with a full slate of options for their printing and communications needs. 

Kingery Printing President Michael Kingery said, “There are a number of synergies between Kingery Printing and United Graphics that make this a very positive move for our companies and our customers. The proximity of our plants and the high level of expertise, enthusiasm and dedication to customer service on the part of both companies’ leadership and staffs mean that we will be in an even stronger position to deliver on our top priority—continuing to enhance the customer experience.”

Mr. Kingery went on to note that the acquisition brings together a comprehensive service offering that includes state-of-the-art prepress; digital, sheetfed, and web press technologies; and a full slate of finishing options, including stitching, perfect-binding, and mechanical binding, as well as on-line, near-line, and co-mailing capabilities.

Mr. Wurtsbaugh noted that “by merging our equipment and our service offering into Kingery Printing, and—importantly—bringing together our very talented and experienced staff, we have a combined organization that can reach new markets and expand our footprint with existing clients, helping us grow from a strength position. This benefits our company, our employees, and our clients.”

He added that Graphic Arts Advisors was instrumental in shepherding the agreement to a successful completion. “Graphic Arts Advisors’ John Hyde made sure the transaction was a win-win for both organizations,” Mr. Wurtsbaugh said. “He earned the trust of all parties involved, enabling us to speak frankly and address all issues openly throughout the process, which was extremely helpful.”  

“The acquisition of United Graphics by Kingery Printing has all the elements needed to make this a successful merger of two organizations—a similar culture and a shared commitment to customer service, as well as distinct slates of services that together provide a comprehensive and robust offering for customers,” said John Hyde. “We wish them much success.”