US-headquartered Quad/Graphics originally established its European base through a partnership with Polish web and sheetfed printer Winkowski back in 1998. A decade later it took over the business and renamed it Quad/Graphics Europe.
The group then went on to acquire point-of-sale specialist Marin’s International in 2015, which became Quad POS.
The European operations had production sales of $160.2m (£123.5m) last year, down $21m on the prior year.
Quad has agreed a €41m (£34m) deal to sell the businesses to Capmont, which focuses on investing in small and mid-cap companies in Europe.
It does not currently hold any other printing industry investments.
The deal encompasses the 65,800sqm print manufacturing facilities at Wyszków in Poland, which is owned by Quad; the Quad POS locations across Europe; the Peppermint agency in Warsaw; and all related employees.
The POS wing runs a raft of large-format digital printing kit.
Quad’s shared service employees in Poland who support its integrated marketing platform are excluded from the deal.
Quad/Graphics president and CEO Joel Quadracci said the group was focused on maintaining state-of-the-art printing operations in locations that best supported its evolving marketing services offering.
“This includes the Americas, with North America comprising our largest base of operations and where we believe we can provide the greatest value to clients through our uniquely integrated marketing platform,” he said.
“We will also continue to leverage strategic partnerships that enhance our ability to provide a seamless marketing experience around the globe.”
Capmont managing director Henrik Munte said the businesses being acquired were “renowned for their best-in-class print, point of sale and marketing solutions”.
“Empowered by highly dedicated and knowledgeable employees, we are convinced that the combination of the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities and award-winning creative agency offers exceptional solutions for customers.
“We are highly appreciative of the successful cooperation with Quad throughout the transaction process. Capmont is very much looking forward to supporting the company on its path to becoming the European leader in print and integrated marketing solutions!”
Quadracci added: “Over the years, we have made significant investments in our European operations and, today, have best-in-class equipment and capabilities, backed by knowledgeable, experienced employees.
“As we move forward with the sale, we are committed to facilitating a smooth transition for our employees who will continue to deliver the top-quality service our clients have come to expect.”
The deal is expected to complete by the end of the year. Quad will use the proceeds to pay down debt and invest in its MX offering.
Quad/Graphics had sales of $3bn last year. The company describes itself as “a global marketing experience company”. It had more than 13,150 employees worldwide, with 1,575 working in EMEA.
The deal means two high profile American printing industry groups have exited European manufacturing. LSC Communications (formerly RR Donnelley) sold its Polish web offset business to Walstead six years ago.
