April 07

Direct Solutions International and Corporate Mailing Matters have announced their merger, creating a major force in the direct communications sector. With a turnover in excess of £80 million and employing almost 1,000 people, the dsi CMM Group is the UK’s largest independently owned direct communications organisation; enjoying a customer base that includes over 90% of the FTSE 100 companies. The merger capitalises on the strengths of both companies and provides a unique platform to extend the range and value of services offered to customers as well as to develop new opportunities in what is a growing global market.

"The dsi CMM Group will provide an innovative range of solutions alongside traditional print/mail services that will include all aspects of financial, regulatory and corporate mailing as well as full service direct marketing", commented Yolanda Noble, CEO. "We offer the total solution from traditional printing to complex variable data output, digital print and the use of new media channels", added Andy Young, Group Managing Director.

"Looking after the varied interests of our customers in a broad range of industry sectors has always been and continues to be a priority. This merger is good news as the dsi CMM Group will be able to provide smarter ways for them to communicate with their shareholders and customers", added Yolanda Noble.

The Group is in a strong position to take advantage of global integrated print and communication solutions, through its strengths in international mail along with localised production partnerships in key international markets. The Group already has joint ventures in Europe and North America where it holds a license with the US Postal Service.

The internationally recognised, award winning in-house software platform, nexdox, is key to the continuing development of cutting edge applications to meet the emerging demands for multi-channel communications.

"This deal provides exciting opportunities for our customers and for both businesses. The merger makes perfect business sense” said Yolanda Noble "Customers will now be able to benefit from our extended portfolio of services and the unrivalled expertise of our combined team. As a business we’ve been able to diversify and grow without the need for huge capital investment".

Mark Felstead, formerly CEO of dsi Group becomes Executive Chairman of the dsi CMM Group, Yolanda Noble, formerly CEO of CMM becomes CEO and Andy Young is appointed as Group Managing Director. Alastair Maclean takes the position of Group Operations Director.