There are no fewer than 17 M&A deals featured across its three pages.

Not a massive surprise perhaps, as the industry’s most used euphemism for market conditions in 2023 has been ‘challenging’. No question. And when times are challenging for some, clearly that offers opportunities for others.

Which got me thinking about the year ahead, has M&A peaked or will consolidation continue unabated? Driven by economies of scale for some and perhaps opportunistic deals for others.

This time last year I wondered if, after a tumultuous 2022, 2023 might offer 12 months of comparative stability.

Not so much it turns out. My bad.

So, what are my predictions for 2024? Hah! Once bitten, twice shy. This year, I think I’ll focus on what I’ve learned from 2023.

Two lessons spring to mind: If something sounds too good to be true, don’t assume it probably is, assume it definitely is. And yes, automation and AI are absolutely going to become more important for all businesses, but people will always be your single biggest asset regardless.

And perhaps the lesson from this issue’s briefing is that while a print business doesn’t necessarily have to be for life, it should at least be for more than a couple of Christmases.

The Printweek team wishes you and your teams a relaxing Yuletide break and a profitable print year in 2024.