Second-Generation Owners of Two Family Businesses Unite

East Rutherford, N.J. — The National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) has announced that Ace Lithographers, located in East Hanover, N.J., has acquired Twill Inc., located in Berkeley Heights, N.J.  Twill’s current location will become home to the combined entity, and Peter Twill and George Twill, shareholders of Twill Inc., will become employees of Ace, with a focus on business development.

John Cooper, who is co-owner of Ace along with his brother, Brett Cooper, commented, “As friendly competitors and second-generation owners of family businesses, Brett and I respect Peter and George Twills’ accomplishments and have set our sights on the benefits of a combined approach to the new market realities of our industry.”  George Twill added, “The similar cultures and client focus of both organizations will be significant in bringing our combined synergies to the marketplace.”

In a series of facilitated meetings, NAPL worked with the owners of Ace and Twill to craft a letter of intent that was fair and balanced, and addressed the needs of both parties. "This transaction brings together two brothers committed to long-term growth and two brothers pursuing a smooth transition from ownership of the family business," said Senior Vice President John Hyde, who heads up NAPL's M&A advisory practice. "It’s an example of what is termed a ‘reverse tuck-in,’ in which the acquiring company consolidates into the seller's infrastructure.”