INM seals bolt-on of Supreme Stationery

INDEPENDENT News & Media’s distribution arm, Newspread, has acquired Supreme Stationery, one of Ireland’s leading stationery companies.

The company said the deal complements Newspread’s existing non-news distribution business.

The company said it will allow growth in its stationery business by offering new and existing customers a complete line of wholesale premium stationery from paper products to files and folders, office, school and writing supplies.

Supreme Stationery was established in 1991, and is a provider of premium products to retailers, bookshops, school suppliers and wholesalers. Sean McDonough, the founder and CEO of Supreme Stationery, will remain with the business.

Michael Doorly, CEO at INM, said: “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Supreme Stationery, which is complimentary to the existing distribution business of Newspread.

“In the face of a continuing challenging environment for print and circulation in newspapers, INM is looking to achieve additional growth through its distribution business.

“Supreme Stationery is a very successful business with a great legacy and we look forward to its integration into Newspread.”

The transaction has been approved by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Newspread CEO Ian Keogh said it means customers will now have access to the broadest range of books and stationery products.

INM has been actively pursuing acquisitions and has a cash pile of around €85m to fund deals.