Kodak Polychrome Graphics named Jeff Jacobson its Chief Executive Officer in March 2000. He previously served as President, Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Americas, and as a senior vice president of the organization. Kodak Polychrome Graphics is a leading worldwide supplier of film, plates and digital proofing technologies to the graphic arts industry.

One of the founding managers of the company, a joint venture between Eastman Kodak Company and Sun Chemical, Jacobson has helped build and lead the organization since its inception in January 1998.

Jacobson joined the Polychrome organization in 1987 and advanced to corporate director, human resources, in 1993. He became general manager, Polychrome Canada, in 1994 and eastern regional manager in 1995. A year later, Jacobson became vice president, sales, for Polychrome Americas.

Jacobson is an active leader in the graphic arts industry. He is a member of the board of directors of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), and he serves on the advisory committee of New York University’s Center for Graphic Arts Management and Technology. Also, in July 2000, NPES appointed Jacobson to its Board of Directors. In May 2001, the Association of Graphic Communication honored Jacobson with the Power of Communication Award. The award recognizes leaders in the graphic arts for their positive influence, creative excellence and outstanding achievements in the world of communications and publishing.

A management graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, Jacobson holds a master’s degree in industrial relations from the Cornell School of Industrial Relations. In addition, he holds a juris doctor degree from Pace University School of Law and has earned admittance to the bar in New York and New Jersey.

Jeff, we know it is a busy and exciting time for you and your team. We appreciate the time you have given our members. This took many by surprise. How long has this been in the works?

The two companies have been talking for some time. Discussions really got serious beginning in July of this year. Almost one year ago, Imation began a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, undertaken with the assistance of Goldman Sachs. Imation considers this transaction a major step in implementing their strategy of focusing on profitable growth in their core data storage segment.

Why was KPG the right partner for this deal as opposed to others in the industry?

When KPG came together four years ago we took the best graphic arts professionals and products from Sun Chemical’s Polychrome Corporation, Eastman Kodak and then Horsell Anitec. Today, KPG is a classic case of the sum being greater than the individual parts.

With the addition of Imation’s color proofing and color software businesses to KPG, we fully expect that we will make that happen again.

What are the positive aspects for Imation employees working in these areas?

Imation sees the sale of their color proofing and color software operations to KPG as a positive step for Imation’s employees, customers and shareholders. Imation employees working in the color business will have the opportunity to participate in a company that is singularly focused on the graphic arts industry. Color proofing customers will benefit from a broader and deeper range of products and services from which to choose.

We are convinced that both KPG and Imation customers will benefit from the increased choices that will soon be available.

As you know, we have tens of thousands of loyal customers and an outstanding global sales and service network of more than a thousand people. This announcement is a clear demonstration of KPG's commitment and ability to meet customer needs now and into the future.

Does KPG expect to pick up most of the relationships Imation had with companies like Xerox and HP?

KPG sees tremendous value in Imation’s partnerships and we hope to be able to build upon them.

Will KPG continue to support Imation's products?

KPG places a high value on Imation's product portfolio and on Imation customers, and we expect to continue to support Matchprint and other Imation lines.

Tell us about integration plans. Theoretically, are you just laying KPG's management structure over the Imation group and working your way through their products?

No, the integration effort is being managed by a team of people from both organizations. Leading the group from Imation is Barbara Cederberg and from KPG it is Vic Stalam. Imation products – most notably Matchprint – have tremendous brand equity, and we certainly don’t intend to give up that value. As we combine the two companies, we will look to leverage the product brands that provide us with the most presence in the marketplace. Due to regulatory review, however, the process of integrating the two product lines can’t begin until the acquisition is complete. We expect the transaction to be finalized by the end of this year.

Experts we have spoken to have said that KPG customers will reap tremendous rewards from this deal. As opposed to a “partnering” relationship with Imation’s products - you now own these services.

This acquisition really does make a lot of sense. Imation’s proofing and color software portfolio complement and expand KPG’s offerings. Upon completion of this acquisition, customers of both companies – and the entire industry – will benefit from even greater choices in color proofing and the management of color in today’s workflows. Collectively the companies have an impressive 14 Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) InterTech Awards. This is an excellent fusion of product offerings.

What are some of the benefits for the graphic arts professionals?

First let me say that until the transaction is closed, nothing will change for either company’s customers. The two companies will continue to operate separately.

Once the transaction is completed, both KPG and Imation customers will benefit from a greater choice of products, services and solutions. Imation products – including color management, RIPs, servers, inkjet, analog and "soft" proofing – complement KPG’s graphic arts portfolio. It really is a win-win for customers of both companies, and we think, the industry as a whole.