Total acquires Spandex NZ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spandex New Zealand acquired by Total Supply Ltd

NEW ZEALAND –April 30 2010 – Spandex New Zealand, the pioneering one-stop supplier of complete and innovative solutions to the digital printing and sign making industries, has announced that it has been acquired by fellow sign industry provider, Total Supply Ltd.

“After great deliberation, we decided to exit the New Zealand market and sell the business to Total Supply NZ”, said Alex McClelland, Managing Director Spandex Asia Pacific. “We have had a long and fruitful business relationship with Dean Stuart and his team at Total and look forward to developing this relationship further with the introduction of other Spandex and Gerber Scientific products.”

He continues, “I am very confident that the business will be in great hands, and will grow and prosper under Dean’s leadership. I am also sure that our existing customers will welcome Total Supply as their new partner to assist them in growing their business and developing the New Zealand marketplace.”

Spandex New Zealand has been operating in the region for the last 12 years since Spandex PLC (UK) purchased Technograph and Graphical and combined the two companies. As the New Zealand market has developed, Spandex has moved to provide a first rate service to customers.

The Spandex NZ team, headed by Sandra Bisman, will transfer to the new entity effective 1^st May. The combination of the Total and Spandex teams is expected to make a formidable force within the sign materials supply industry.

Dean Stuart, Managing Director said, “Our association with Gerber and Spandex Asia Pacific goes back a long way and this acquisition seems part of a natural progression. Spandex NZ has overcome an enormous amount of difficulties to become a major supplier in the New Zealand marketplace and I feel that the combination of both companies and our individual product portfolios will enrich our overall offering to customers.”

In addition, Mark Canavan, Regional Business Director for Avery Dennison Graphics, said that he welcomes Total Supply to the distribution network and looks forward to building on the successes of Spandex in raising the profile of the Avery brand in the NZ region. Mark also commented that the strategic fit with the prestigious Avery brand, together with the current market share and reputation enjoyed by Total in the marketplace, will ensure his company’s success moving forward.

About Spandex - Spandex, a subsidiary of Gerber Scientific Inc., is one of the world's leading trade suppliers of complete solutions for the sign making, digital printing and specialty graphics industry. Representing the leading brands in the industry, Spandex serves over 31,000 customers in more than 17 countries with the broadest range of products and services in the market. Specializing in the marketing, sales, distribution and support of digital printing, cutting, routing, related materials and aluminium sign systems, it is Spandex’s aim to provide its customers with best value for money every day of the year. For more information on Spandex and its solutions, please visit www.spandex.co.nz

About total supply - Although known as Total for just 5 years the business was originally incorporated in 1962 and has been serving the Graphic Art and Sign Industries throughout that time under various different entities such as Letraset NZ and Esselte NZ. In August 2004 after a successful MBO of the Sign Division of Esselte NZ the team from Total have raised the bar in what is expected from industry suppliers.

Total’s commitment is to deliver upon a policy of excellence in supply range, service and compatible component systems.

For more information on Total Supply Ltd please go to www.totalsupply.co.nz

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