In an interview with PrintWeek, SGS International Senior VP Marriott Winchester noted the Stevenson acquisition followed SGS purchases in recent years of Sierra Photo Studio in Chicago, Creative Type in Dallas and a Canadian packaging facility as it looks to build out both its geographic reach and its services and capabilities with existing and new clients.

"The Stevenson Color acquisition is a terrific addition for SGS," Winchester explained. "We like the strong leadership, experienced staff, and complimentary CPG and Retail clients.

"This acquisition brings expanded printing and fulfillment resources to SGS that will further our commitment to our POP/POS in-store marketing strategy. SGS continues to expand from a packaging centric company to a merchandising services company."

Founded in 1926, Stevenson Colors employs 170 at both companies said it will continue to operate under the Stevenson name with Tom Stevenson continuing on as President and Andy Stevenson as executive VP.

SGS is global supplier of prepress and graphics to leading companies in the consumer packaged goods, retail, life science and printing vertical with facilities across the US as well as in UK (Hull, Cumbria, Tamworth and London), Canada, Latin America and Asia (Hong Kong and Manila).

Last year it generated a record $379.3m in sales and Winchester noted the company has been augmenting about 6-8% organic annual growth with strategic domestic and international acquisitions.

"SGS growth both in North America and globally has been driven by retailers producing high quality private label brands and from consumer product Companies using new packaging innovations, targeted marketing and promotions on packaging," he said.

"Government regulations and a slow economy that has forced CPG's and retailers to make packaging changes in order to hold and grow their market share."