The Dingley Press is regarded in the printing and publishing industry as a pioneer in the off-size specialty catalogue segment. By utilizing state of the art, short cutoff high-speed presses, Dingley’s customers typically benefit from savings on paper and postage compared to what they would pay for the same number of copies of a catalogue in a more traditional size. Dingley, which was founded in the 1920’s, provides catalogue products, and high value added support services from its plant in Maine for customers across the United States.
The Sheridan Group is a leading specialty printer offering a full range of printing and value-added support services for the journal, magazine, book, and article reprint markets. It utilizes a decentralized management structure, which is intended to provide customers with access to the resources of a large company, while maintaining the high level of service and flexibility through its smaller operating companies.
The Dingley Press, Inc. (Lisbon, ME) one of the nation’s leading specialty catalogue printers announced that it has been acquired by The Sheridan Group (Hunt Valley, MD), a holding company of several prominent specialty niche printing and publishing companies. This transaction is the culmination of an initiative led by The Bigelow Company LLC to provide intelligent growth capital for Dingley through a relationship with a strategically motivated partner, plus allow for a partial liquidity event for Dingley’s shareholders. Dingley Management will continue in their current roles and have become significant shareholders in The Sheridan Group.
“As Advisors go, I suspect that these guys are unusual. Their passion for their clients is impressive. Bigelow always had my best interests at heart and they will be friends of mine forever.” Chris Pierce, President The Dingley Press, Inc.
Sheridan is majority owned by Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. and Jefferies Capital Partners. Debt for the acquisition was provided by a $60 million high yield bond offering and a credit facility from Fleet Capital. Additional equity capital was provided by Dingley Management.
“80% of Bigelow’s value in this transaction came from their years of compelling us to think and act like owners – to build a strong business – not just be managers” Eric Lane, Vice President of Finance The Dingley Press, Inc.
For nearly fifteen years, The Bigelow Company has advised Dingley on capital formation and ongoing corporate strategy in support of the shareholders’ growth aspirations.
