18.03.08

Clear Image, the leading Australian specialist wine label printer, is finalising a deal to sell the company to Canadian based CCL Industries, the unchallenged global market leader in labels.

CCL with plants in 52 countries around the world have long desired to have a presence in the Australian market and in particular the wine label sector. Presently CCL have no exposure to the wine label sector globally and the acquisition of Clear Image gives them the perfect platform to launch a global wine label business.

In the past five years Clear Image has experienced rapid growth within its two main markets of NSW and in the Barossa Valley, SA. Clear Image have also developed an export market on the west coast of the USA with regular shipments of labels delivered to wineries in the Napa Valley and Oregon regions. The business has created a reputation for quality printing and innovation within the wine label sector and it services a blue chip customer list which comprises some of Australia?s best known wine brands. Winner of many quality awards, one example of Clear Image innovation was in developing the technology to produce embossed pewter labels for the esteemed Tempus Two brand.

With over 80 employees, a 20% national market share and a focus on quality, the company was ideally positioned to commence a relationship with a major player. "There are so many synergies with CCL, that the future looks terrific," comments Clear Image owner and CEO, Scott Springett. "We can exchange technologies and expertise with all the other label businesses under the CCL umbrella and tap into their enormous resources to ensure our customers are up to date with the very latest in labelling technologies and trends. CCL had been seeking a wine label specialist, and Australia was an obvious choice, as our packaging is renowned globally."

To all of our very loyal staff and customers, I am anxious to convey that the cultural fit was extremely important in the decision. Coincidentally, we were also approached by other potential buyers. We weren't even thinking about selling, so for us this was all about the fit and the potential. We have a terrific team here and CCL were specific about a 'business as usual' approach, where all staff will be retained. We are now in an excellent position to leverage off our current assets with the strength and security of an organisation like CCL behind us.

I am very much looking forward to continuing on as CEO of Clear Image with the same team of people who have contributed so magnificently to the success of the business. We have a clear mandate from CCL to continue building our business here which is a really exciting proposition with all the resources we now have at our disposal".

The sale to CCL is expected to be finalised in the coming month.

More information please contact:
Scott Springett, CEO, Clear Image Pty Ltd
Phone (02) 8339 0000
Mobile 0418 409669
Fax (02) 8339 1000
Email scott@clearimage.com.au
www.clearimage.com.au
www.cclind.com

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