Wise-backed Imprima bolts on City Prints, Premier Fabrics

The GP backed the bolt-on; it is currently deploying capital from its private equity fund Wisequity IV. The vehicle, launched in October 2015 with a €200m target, held its final close on its €215m hard-cap in March 2016.

With its first US-based acquisition, Imprima intends to strengthen its strategic position, and expand its global presence in the printing and textile-finishing industry.

Jason Borg and Ryan Borg, the co-founders of City Prints and Premier Fabrics, will maintain a leadership role within the management team of the companies and acquire a minority stake in Imprima.

City Prints and Premier Fabrics plan to use Imprima's financial support and technology know-how in digital printing to consolidate their market position and open a new digital production facility.

Wise began its buy-and-build strategy in the European textile printing sector in February 2017 when it fully acquired and merged German textile printing provider KBC and Italian textile producer Guarisco into a new business called Imprima. The merger was followed by the acquisitions of B-Blossom in July 2017, and Società Europa Tessile in November 2017. 

Company
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in New York and Los Angeles, City Prints and Premier Fabrics specialise in textile printing, by supplying international brands and retailers with printed fabrics based on proprietary designs. Their clients include fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger; retailers including Walmart, Target and Macy's; and online retailer Amazon. In 2017, the company generated a turnover of more than $23m.

People
Imprima – Valentina Franceschini (president); Gianluca Boni (executive vice-president).
City Prints, Premier Fabrics – Jason Borg, Ryan Borg (co-founders).

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• Topics
• Expansion
• Southern Europe
• Industrials
• Italy
• Wise SGR
• Build-up