INKISH.NEWS -

The Association for PRINT Technologies, APTech announced yesterday the acquisition of WhatTheyThink.com - congratulations to both of you. What that will mean to the American printing industry is a big question, as both organizations, for now, will continue as is. However, when PRINTING United acquired NAPCO years ago, it became clear how an organization owning a media outlet can utilize this to further communication to members - and for APTech, maybe more critical, NONE-members. For WhatTheyThink, perhaps more resources to continue developing content, and I would imagine more viewers/readers for the behind-the-payment-wall content. APTech will also be able to utilize the subscriber base for surveys and information and attract more members.

When I read the press release, I wasn't that surprised, to be honest. I also understand the value of the ownership the two companies will pursue. APTech states on its website that it's a purpose-driven organization and claims to support the entire value chain. APTech, formerly NPES, was the owner of the once-upon-a-time GraphExpo/Print tradeshows in Chicago. When it "lost" the war to PRINTING United, the organization, in my mind, had and maybe still has difficulties finding a real purpose.

With a renewed interest in shows, Amplify Print is an example that I believe will be something APTech will pursue as part of the offerings. Though I have been told that the number of attendees at Amplify Print is considerably lower than anticipated, the specialized events are one of the directions we evaluate will have a future! The post-covid time has already changed a lot. The cancellation of LabelExpo in Brussels is just one example!

For WhatTheyThink, it will, from my perspective, strengthen its position in North America. Still, it will also question their position as an "independent" media - as I find it interesting to see if NAPCO and WhatTheyThink will cover "each other's" events in the future. I doubt it, and it will be interesting to see if this will open for further consolidations - and if it will, who will win the hearts of the readers - and the marketing dollars!

INKISH welcome competition and will continue to deliver more, better, and faster information to the market. North America is an important market for INKISH, and the consolidation the above acquisition represents fuels us to be even better and grow our footprint - so congratulations to APTech and WhatTheyThink - we look forward to competing with you!