MONTREAL, Sept. 4 - Transcontinental Inc. today announced the acquisition of Rastar, Inc., a U.S.-based direct marketing company that specializes in interactive database marketing and variable data digital printing, which enable fully personalized marketing communications. Rastar's industry experience, combined with its digital printing expertise, will allow Transcontinental to further expand its integrated marketing services offering and enable its clients to achieve the best possible returns on their marketing campaigns.

A privately-owned company with approximately US$50M in revenue, Rastar counts many Fortune 500 companies among its clients in verticals such as the auto, consumer goods and retail industries. Using proprietary database tools, Rastar helps its clients plan, design and implement traditional and variable data acquisition and retention programs. Its production facilities, which include state-of-the-art digital printing technology as well as other printing, mailing and fulfillment capabilities, allow it to deliver a complete offering to its clients.

"When you combine Rastar's thought leadership in interactive database marketing with Transcontinental's vision and scope, we are only just beginning to explore the potential of the integrated marketing services we can now offer our clients," said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transcontinental. "Building on the acquisition of Rastar, we have a unique opportunity to expand our variable data digital printing capabilities." Rastar's approximately 350 employees will become part of the Marketing Products and Services Sector at Transcontinental under the responsibility of its President, Guy Manuel.

"Not only is Rastar a proven leader in data-driven direct marketing, customer relationship management development, and the delivery of personalized, targeted messaging to key verticals, it's also a leader in web-enabled self-published consumer solutions like custom books and the growing online imaging products business," said Mr. Manuel. "The possibilities for Transcontinental and our clients are exciting. We are thrilled to welcome Rastar to our team."

Rastar founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Despain, and President, Grant Fletcher, will maintain their leadership roles.

"Rastar has built its solid position in direct marketing because we challenge established thinking, and embrace new marketing strategies," said Kevin Despain. "With Transcontinental's scale, we have a unique opportunity to deliver results to our clients on a wider scope. We look forward to working with the Transcontinental team."