Harrier buys Halstan Holdings print businesses in the U.K., Germany

GaryPageau ,
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Halstan Holdings announced that Harrier has acquired all of Halstan’s print interests in both the UK and Germany. The move marks an exciting new chapter for both businesses, broadening Harrier’s capabilities into new sectors while strengthening its European footprint, the company said.  Halstan will continue to operate as usual, with its experienced team, customer relationships, and day-to-day operations unchanged, of the remaining Halstan interests in property, publishing, and the Pindar cartography business acquired by Halstan 15 years ago. Halstan Holdings CEO Chris Smith remains with Halstan.

Terms weren’t disclosed.

“This is an exciting step for both Harrier and Halstan,” said Chris Hughes, President and CEO of the District Photo Harrier Group. “Halstan brings exceptional expertise in specialist publishing sectors that complement our existing strengths perfectly. We are delighted to welcome their team into the group and look forward to building on their success together. Importantly, it is very much business as usual for Halstan’s customers and partners as we begin this next phase of growth.”

“I’m delighted that Halstan has found a partner in Harrier with the same aspirations and business values,” said Rupert Smith, Executive Director of Halstan. “I can already see the benefits that becoming part of the Harrier Group will bring to our customers – not only through the broader range of products and services we will be able to offer, but also now being part of Harrier’s global footprint for print and distribution as one of the world’s largest print-on-demand specialists,”

According to Printweek, Halstan claims to be the U.K.’s leading specialist in sheet music production, as well as books and premium notebooks. It has expertise in short-run thread sewing, layflat binding, and automated page make-up. Halstan Holdings had sales of just under £7.2m in its most recent results, to 30 June 2024. Sales at the print wing are understood to be around £5 million, according to Printweek.

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.