AVON GRAPHICS ACQUIRES LORIMIER

Specialist trade supplier Avon Graphics has acquired Lorimier in a move that will bring more than 200 years of history under one brand.

The announcement was made by Tate Hone, managing director at Avon Graphics, who said both parties were delighted with the deal, which was done in a "very professional" manner. The acquisition will be completed on 31 October 2022.

“Lorimier is a respected Melbourne-based specialist in foil stamping and embossing, and we have always held them in high regard as a professional, well-run business – and a worthy competitor,” Hone said. “The company has an exceptionally long history in the Victorian marketplace, having been in continuous operation ever since its inception in 1876, and they have an enviable reputation for quality, creativity and service.”

Initial discussions between Hone and Peter Johnston, owner and managing director of Lorimier, were straightforward, open and positive, Hone reports, with both agreeing that the acquisition of Lorimier by the family-owned and operated Avon Graphics made "good sense".

“We both felt that the time is right for further rationalisation in the trade supply market place, and that provided a sound basis for productive discussions, which resulted very quickly in a deal that was acceptable to both parties,” he says. “We are delighted to be announcing the acquisition today.”

Avon is widely regarded as Australia’s leading specialist print trade supplier and embellishment company, with more than 80 staff across locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. With services covering foil stamping and embossing, cutting, coatings, verkotype and glitter, security printing and specialty prepress, as well as large-format print, the business offers a range of options to "enhance the artistry of print".

Lorimier has a similar approach, with services including foil stamping and embossing, laminating and celloglazing, varnishing, forme cutting, strutting and mounting, and pattern gluing, as well as embellishment of leather goods and promotional products.

Hone sees the acquisition as a strategic move that will strengthen Avon’s offering for trade supply, particularly throughout Melbourne and Victoria.

“Avon intends to continue operations from Lorimier’s Heidelberg West location, in addition to our own manufacturing facility in Rowville, spreading our footprint across greater Melbourne,” he said, adding that changes to the Lorimier facility are expected over time, to broaden the range of services offered from that location.

Most importantly, said Hone, the companies’ shared commitment to superior quality, personalised service and long-term relationships means the two teams of passionate and professional staff are expected to fit comfortably into the newly expanded operation.

“It’s been great working with Peter, and we thank him for his cooperation and professionalism as we have worked through the detail of this important agreement.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all Lorimier staff to the Avon team as we put our plans into action, including Peter who has agreed to stay on into 2023 to ensure a smooth transition across all aspects of the handover.

“Together, we can now not only look back on a proud combined history of more than two centuries of service, but look forward to a future of even better and more comprehensive support to our industry throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area – and across the country," concluded Hone.