The privately-owned Brandspring provides traditional sales and marketing consulting while also pioneering its own web-to-print platform, and in an interview with PrintWeek, Marek Group president Tami Marek said the deal will greatly expand both its web-to-print and digital marketing capabilities.  

"We have been embracing print-on-demand for nearly two decades and believe it is a key component to helping our clients streamline their marketing supply chain," she added. "Now that we can move further upstream in that supply chain with the acquisition of Brandspring Solutions, we feel that we can really transform the marketing supply chain for our combined client base as opposed to just saving money at one particular spoke in the wheel."

Calling the acquisition a key component in their growth strategy, Marek said, "As we grow as a combined entity there is likely to be more ink on paper work coming through our doors. Those opportunities may bring a need for us to add equipment, but we can't say at this time what those additions will be. Our goal is to generate impressions not only on our Heidelbergs but on our digital presses and servers as well."

Headquartered in Waukesha, WI, The Marek Group began as a conventional print and fulfillment business, but has responded the changing market by adding not just digital and print-on-demand, but also direct marketing and special packaging solutions.

Though it boasts a national client base, Marek also noted, "We are excited to have the opportunity to bring our expertise to the Minneapolis market where we have virtually no presence. This will be a great opportunity for our company to grow and expand. Likewise, we are proud to bring more business to Wisconsin through new service offerings and expertise of Brandspring Solutions. The vision of growth for the combined entity will likely bring jobs to both markets in the near future."

Brandspring will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Marek Group and Brandspring founder and president Dave Maiser will continue to lead the company, at least in the short term, as he readies for retirement after 35 years in the business.

In a statement announcing the deal, Maiser said, "Successful acquisitions are built upon cultural fit, the integrity of the leaders and the energy behind their combined vision: this acquisition clearly has all three."