Antalis acquires First Graphics

First Graphics has announced its acquisition by Antalis South Africa with the contract being signed on 1 July 2005.

Under the terms of the agreement, Antalis South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Antalis Europe, has acquired 100 per cent of the share equity of First Graphics, a privately-owned company. Antalis is the largest European group in the distribution of communications support materials and is currently active in 36 countries. It is also the largest paper distributor in South Africa and is the holding company of First Paper and Haddons. First Graphics is a leading supplier of high-end graphic communications equipment and consumables.

With the agreement now concluded, full integration plans can begin and it is expected that the First Graphics Johannesburg branch will re-locate to the Antalis New Centre head office around the end of this year, with the Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth offices integrating during the coming months.

The rationale behind this merger was a recognition by both companies that their market presence would be strengthened by combining their product ranges to provide a comprehensive offering to their customer base which is totally compatible. Over the years First Graphics has looked at available options for entering the paper merchanting business and Antalis has evaluated opportunities for entering the graphic arts business. It was a logical proposition for the two companies to come together under the Antalis banner.