PARAMUS, N.J., MAY 3, 2004 – In a move that significantly strengthens and expands its consulting services, the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) has acquired Rampart Associates LLC, a leading consulting firm specializing in the graphic communications industry, effective May 1, 2004. As part of the agreement, John Hyde, Rampart Associates founder and partner, joins NAPL as Managing Director of Consulting Services, based in the Association’s Paramus, N.J. headquarters. In this capacity, he will continue to help client companies achieve their objectives through strategic transactions and oversee NAPL’s Business Advisory Network of specialized consultants. Bruce Perlstein, Hyde’s Rampart Associates partner, becomes an NAPL independent associate consultant, based in Trumbull, Conn. “Bringing the considerable expertise of Rampart Associates to NAPL significantly enhances the Association’s ability to provide member and non-member companies with top-notch strategic consulting services,” said Joseph P. Truncale, NAPL president and CEO, in making the announcement. “In their 15 years as partners, John Hyde and Bruce Perlstein have helped scores of graphic communications companies achieve their objectives through a range of strategic transactions. Now, they’ll continue that long record of success for NAPL members and clients.” Founded in 1990, Rampart Associates works with owners and CEOs of graphic communications companies to accomplish their objectives through the implementation of strategic transactions, including acquisition, merger, sale of business, and restructuring. Based in Trumbull, Conn., the firm had primarily been serving clients in the Northeast. Becoming part of NAPL enables Rampart to bring its strategic solutions to a national marketplace. “Given the profound transition taking place in the graphic communications industry, company owners and CEOs now more than ever require the kinds of strategic services Rampart Associates offers,” said Hyde. “In seeking to leverage our services with a broader audience, we looked to NAPL, which has a well-deserved reputation for offering consulting services that help companies respond effectively to changing market conditions. I look forward to my association with NAPL and working toward the success of its members and clients.”