York Mailing continues expansion

York Mailing Group Limited (YM), the UK market leader in the specialist production of retail flyers, media inserts and quality catalogues continued its expansion in September 2014 with the acquisition of Go Direct Marketing Limited (GDM).

Founded in 1999 and based in Otley, GDM has a strong background in mail order, retail marketing strategy and data analysis, with expertise in customer acquisition and retention via offline recruitment channels. Clients of GDM include Pure Collection, Cox & Cox, Wrap, Thompson & Morgan, The Handpicked Collection, French Connection & Brook Taverner and the business employs 10 staff.

The acquisition will enable YM to develop a new data driven analytics division, strengthening the group’s offering to its customers across The Lettershop Group, Pindar and York Mailing. It will now have the ability to provide an in-depth data analysis and reporting solution to existing retail customers in order to further drive innovative techniques in print personalisation.

In turn, the acquisition will enable GDM to expand its core business to a wider client base.

YM’s now generates revenues of £110m per annum and the enlarged business employs 530 staff across its 4 sites.

The acquisitions come following investment from BGF, the independent company established to help the UK’s growing businesses, of £10m in July 2013. BGF’s investment has provided the financial means for targeted acquisitions in the sector alongside the purchase of new state of the art printing presses, which will provide significant additional volume capacity and efficiency improvements to the group.

Chris Ingram, Chief Executive Officer of York Mailing Group, commented: “I am delighted with the addition of this business to the group portfolio and believe this adds another dimension to our customer offering.”

Adrian Scott, Director at Go Direct Marketing Limited, added: “I am thrilled with the acquisition by York Mailing Group and really looking forward to a new and exciting phase in the development of Go Direct Marketing. Being part of the largest and most innovative print provider to the retail sector in the UK, offers a real opportunity for us to strengthen and enhance our offering within the YM Group environment.”

Richard Taylor, Investment Director at BGF, commented: “Chris and the team successfully acquired and integrated The Lettershop Group towards the end of last year and we were keen to see the business continue this expansion with another value enhancing acquisition. These are strong businesses that are being brought under the wider York Mailing Group umbrella and will only add to the company’s already strong product and service offering.”