Many out there that would advise against buying a business right now considering the financial strains that the UK and the global economise are facing. Despite this, it’s often during adversity businesses can thrive, and that entrepreneurs can emerge. This was seen during the pandemic as many businesses had to pivot and look at new revenue streams in order to stay afloat. While many companies did go into liquidation because of the effects of Covid-19, many would argue that Covid only accelerated the failure of businesses that had struggled to stay modern or keep their customer base updated. The changing nature of print, visual communications, and marketing have altered how many traditional print businesses now operate, which means new business owners need to keep up with modern trends and products. In this article we ask the advice of professionals in the industry regarding buying a business and look at what considerations individuals should have ahead of changing management structures. To Buy or Not to Buy Within the past year many business owners have announced the success of buying a print business, either through a management buyout (MBO) or acquisition. Recently Nothern Irish digital printing platform, Northside Graphics, announced the acquisition of Belfast printing shop, Media Design and Print. Recently in Hereford, Magenta Technology, a Hereford-based print equipment supplier, was bought by Ray Willows and his wife Clare, who had both worked for the company for 15 years. The purchase was made possible thanks to the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) which was delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Speaking of the purchase, Ray Willows said: “Having worked for Magenta Technology for 15 years, when the opportunity came up to buy the business from the previous owner, I could see the potential and wanted to secure the finance to make it possible.” While there are many factors that are making business decisions more difficult, the industry’s aging workforce, and the changing nature of print means that many unique opportunities are being presented to individuals and businesses. Marcus Clifford, business coach, mentor, and consultant for the print industry, says that, in a nutshell, an acquisition is characterised by high risk, but points to the activity in sectors like packaging, wide-format, labels, and corrugated as opportunity areas. Clifford says: “In these areas of the marketplace, private equity investors have As mergers, acquisitions, and buy-outs continue to be prevalent in the print industry, David Osgar takes a special look at the advice of professionals in the print and financial industries when it comes to buying a print business How to Navigate Buying a Print Business in 2025 52 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2025 - Issue 355 BUYING A PRINT BUSINESS
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