R.R. Donnelley Acquires Banta for $1.3 Billion

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. has acquired Banta Corp. for about $1.3 billion.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter

Donnelley said this combination would enable the company to expand its range of products and services to the direct marketing, magazine, catalog and book segments.

This news comes on the heels of Banta’s rejection of an unsolicited $50 per share offer from Cenveo Inc., which was set to expire Oct. 31 (Direct Newsline, Oct. 4).

At that time, Banta had authorized its management and financial advisor, UBS Investment Bank, to explore a variety of financial strategies, including remaining independent, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, further return of capital, or the sale of the company.