SPI UK pursues retail market with MCM Direct acquisition

Swiss Post International UK (SPI UK) has strengthened its presence in the retail market by acquiring MCM Direct, a direct mail and printing solutions provider. The acquisition will provide SPI UK customers with an increased range of services and bolster Swiss Post International’s offering in the retail business both in the UK and internationally.

In January 2010, SPI UK expanded its services beyond the wholesale market and into the retail market.

Based in Southampton, MCM Direct has 18 years’ experience of providing direct mail and printing products and solutions to customers of all types and sizes. The acquisition will enable SWI UK to offer products such as database management and processing; laser printing and digital printing; polywrapping; envelope enclosing; ink jet printing; print finishing and overseas consolidation to retail customers. The companies will merge from 1 January 2011.

Paul Taylor, CEO, SPI UK said: “MCM Direct’s values are closely aligned to those of Swiss Post International: a quality driven organisation that builds trust and long term relationships with its customers and suppliers. It’s a perfect fit that puts us in an improved position to succeed in the retail market. With MCM Direct we will be able to offer industry customers efficient outsourcing solutions.”

Daniel Baettig, Head of International Mail, Swiss Post International said: “The acquisition of MCM Direct is part of our strategy to further grow Swiss Post International in the United Kingdom. We want to better penetrate the country by building up a network of subsidiaries, partners and resellers for our products and services.”

Martin Collier, the managing director of MCM Direct, will continue in his role.

SPI UK also revealed that it is on the verge of completing a partnership deal with Direct Entry Services, a UK-based mail services provider. Managing director Philip Coleman described the partnership as “exciting”.