Multi-Color acquires NorthStar

Multi-Color has acquired NorthStar Print Group, Inc., the label

manufacturing subsidiary of Journal Communications. The purchase price was $27.03 million in cash.

NorthStar has annual revenues of approximately $60 million. It employs

approximately 275 people and has three manufacturing locations in

Watertown, Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin and Norway, Michigan. NorthStar was founded in 1878 and acquired by Journal Communications in 1966.

Multi-Color president and CEO Frank Gerace said, ‘NorthStar will be Multi-

Color's seventh and largest acquisition since 1999 and represents a major

milestone in our history. Like Multi-Color, NorthStar is a highly developed,

technologically advanced provider of label and decorating solutions to major

beverage and consumer products companies worldwide. Adding NorthStar's

capabilities to Multi-Color brings important new dimensions to our product

and market mix and further increases our leadership position as a

full-service decorating solutions business.’

NorthStar Print Group specializes in the production of gravure labels and

flexographic pressure-sensitive labels. Among its customers are Miller

Brewing, Prestone, Exxon/Mobil, Arizona Beverages, Kraft, Hershey Foods,

Clorox, Reckitt Benkiser and Procter & Gamble. NorthStar is the principal

producer of labels for Miller Brewing. Miller has awarded NorthStar the status of Partner in Excellence for seven consecutive years and Supplier of the Year twice.

NorthStar offers a complete set of services, including electronic prepress,

cylinder engraving, printing in up to 10 colors, finishing, inventory

management and fulfillment. Multi-Color said it does not anticipate significant changes in NorthStar's operations.