Tim Delahay, chief executive of the UK-based DST Output, said: "We have always worked closely with our US affiliate regarding business and management strategies.

"These developments enable us to further capitalise on the power of the DST Output brand as we continue to work with global clients."

By strengthening relations with its American sibling, DST Output said it would be able to offer clients access to emerging global initiatives, such as e-billing services and data processing for segmenting and targeting customer data.

"This is a fantastic move for DST Output, on both sides of the Atlantic," added Delahay.

The rebrand comes as DST Output urged marketing businesses to make the most of their customer communications and, in particular, essential mail, such as bills and statements.

David Lewis, senior sales and marketing director at DST Output, said: "A recent report states that acquiring a new customer can cost six to seven times more than retaining an existing one.

"With budgets being constantly squeezed, businesses must look to maximise existing customer communication channels."

DST Output highlighted a number of methods of improving customer communications including: using the customer's name and full colour on bills; using data effectively to cross-sell and up-sell products and services; choosing the right medium, be it email or print; using effective design; and timing communications correctly.

The company said that, according to a recent study for the Digital Printing Council, the use of full colour and the recipient's name alone can increase response rates by 135% compared with static mono mailings.

"A customer is the most valuable revenue-producing asset for any company," added Lewis.

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