Industry heavyweights in largest media merger this year

The new union aims to propagate growth while the brands continue to trade separately

“By joining forces,” says Uniprint CEO Harish Mehta, “we will be creating a new entity with the scale to be able to adopt new technologies and penetrate new domestic and export markets, leading to additional growth and opportunities for all our stakeholders.”

“While there will be no visible change in the way that both Uniprint and Hirt & Carter operate,” says Mehta, “the benefit of growth and increased capacity to service customers across the greater group holds unlimited potential. It will be business as usual, but with significant benefits to our customers.” He emphasises though that all brands that lie within the companies will continue to trade independently in terms of product offering and culture. Mehta also adds that there will be no staff or facilities rationalisation.

Hirt & Carter CEO Colin Cary echoes this and notes the multitude of benefits and growth this union holds for all stakeholders. “The convergence of two of South Africa's most recognised brands, in their respective fields, holds significant downstream benefits in terms of a wider product and service offering, technological advantages and customer delivery.” He enthuses about the synergy between the companies and believes that the union promises a win-win outcome for customers.

“In a digital age where the convergence of several media and communication industries and accelerated technologies play a ballooning role, it makes sense to join forces between two companies that are able to provide mutually commercial benefits to customers while accelerating growth,” Cary says.

Mehta and Cary will serve as joint chief executives of the top line entity while continuing in their roles at Uniprint and Hirt & Carter respectively.