Prima Printing will acquire PMI Imageworks. This acquisition will bring together two Melbourne-based print-on-demand and personalisation businesses and one of the largest in the country, both from Melbourne.

Prima will acquire 100 per cent PMI. The deal is expected close on Monday. Both businesses will operate in their initial stages independently, but with close collaboration as they work through Christmas peak.

Prima employs 65 people, while PMI has around 60. Chris Zapris, the CEO of PMI, established it a decade ago. Prima was founded here in 2016. Both companies are industry leaders and have produced hundreds of personalized products.

Prima is part of the global District Photo group of companies, based in the US, which together with Harrier LLC, based in the UK, forms one of the world’s largest digital print fulfilment companies.

Chris Hughes, president and CEO of District Photo said, “I am delighted that we have agreed terms that will bring these two businesses together under the same ownership structure. There will be no immediate changes to the way the two business operate under Chris and Amnon, but we will work collaboratively towards a common goal of delivering best in class customer service, with unparalleled quality of product and exacting SLA terms.”

Chris Zapris said,“I am exceptionally proud to have led a world class management and production team that has earned us global recognition. With the planned investments in infrastructure and resources, our amazing customers will reap the benefits. I am assured Chris Hughes, and his team will continue to work tirelessly to support all our loyal customers.”

Prima is Australia’s largest print-on-demand fulfiller. Prima, which has over 450 products, runs millions of units using its fleet of eco-solvent and dye sublimation printers. PMI Imageworks, based in Brunswick, offers a wider range of products and greater flexibility within its product line. The business is a market leader in personalised wall art, art prints and home décor as well as producing photobooks, cards and gifts.

Prima Printing’s managing Director Amnon Judiah commented that the strategic acquisition would allow both businesses to cross-sell their products to clients. It also provides the basis for additional infrastructure investments to ensure we are at the cutting edge of automation, efficiency, and automation. Both businesses are agile and intelligent players in a highly competitive global marketplace. Combining the strengths of both operations will bring more value, scale redundancy and capacity to clients. We look forward to working with Chris and his team to create a future together.”

Hughes said, “There is little or no customer overlap, so our expectation is that our fulfilment partners will see considerable benefits over the medium term from this transaction, strengthening the enlarged organisation in these most challenging of times.”