Quad/Graphics did not respond to an interview request from PrintWeek, but in a statement, Craig Faust, head of the company's Commercial & Specialty group, suggested the acquisition fits into its plan to grow both commercial and specialty printing services.

"Through strategic investments in technology and capabilities, we're building a more complete, innovative and cost-effective platform for our clients while maintaining the high level of personal interaction and service they expect," he said.

Williamson consists of five divisions - Williamson Printing, Williamson Express, Williamson International; Fulfillment Center and Printing Resource Management and was among the first US commercial printers to test and offer Hexachrome, the high fidelity six-color process printing system developed by Pantone.

"We're both innovative printers at heart, and we're passionate about print's crucial role in today's multimedia landscape," said Williamson Printing president Jesse Williamson, who will stay on as head of the Dallas-based operations. "The combined QuadWilliamson brand will create more value and more solutions for more clients."

In its most recent financials, Quad/Graphics reported a $22.3m net loss for Q3 ending September 30, on a slight revenue decline to $1.18bn.

The Williamson acquisition caps a busy stretch for the company. In addition to its asset swap with Montreal-based Transcontinental last July that netted three facilities in Mexico in exchange for six printing plants in Canada, Quad/Graphics has been slowly shutting down facilities in Richmond, VA and Stillwater, OK as it looks to trim costs.