Communisis

Background

Based in the UK, communisis plc is a multinational group of companies focused on providing print solutions. KPMG's Corporate Finance was engaged by communisis to sell part of its Colour Solutions division which was no longer viewed as a core service offering.

The Company

communisis colour cards is involved in the manufacture and sale of colour representation products to leading global manufacturers of decorative and automotive paints and coatings, and cosmetic products. The Business produces a wide range of products, including colour cards, brochures, stripe cards, fan decks, colour albums and material swatch cards. Operations are located in Canada, France, Germany, and the United States with engineering services provided out of the U.K.

The Situation

communisis colour cards consisted of five subsidiaries, each located in a different country, which were owned by communisis plc. KPMG Corporate Finance was engaged to find a buyer for the entire colour cards business.

The Solution

KPMG Corporate Finance conducted a competitive sale process to identify the optimal buyer that would enable the Company to exit the business. KPMG Corporate Finance developed significant interest through a controlled auction, coordinated management meetings and due diligence across the various countries, and assisted the Company in successfully negotiating a stock deal with one of its U.S. competitors, Colwell Industries, Inc. KPMG Corporate Finance’s extensive experience with cross-border deals, global coverage, and knowledge of the intricate aspects of financing cross border transactions was fundamental to its ability to deliver superior financial advice.