Blog Keyword - Midland PaperClips - fine paper, packaging and supply systems distributor

03.05.2012

Quad Completes Sale of its Canadian Assets to Transcontinental

Quad/Graphics Inc. today announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its Canadian operations to Transcontinental Inc.

Quad/Graphics entered into a definitive agreement with Transcontinental on July 12, 2011, to essentially exchange its Canadian assets (with the exception of its Vancouver, B.C., facility, which was not part of the transaction) for Transcontinental’s Mexican assets.

Quad/Graphics completed the acquisition of the Mexican assets on September 8, 2011, and, since then, has been proceeding with its integration plans, which are advancing as originally anticipated.

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03.05.2012

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces February Sales

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. today announced comparable store sales for the four weeks ended February 25, 2012 increased 0.7%. Total sales increased 0.9% to $199.4 million for the four weeks compared with $197.7 million for the prior year period.

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03.05.2012

Ahlstrom introduces new embossable wallcoverings at 2012 China Wallcovering Expo

Ahlstrom, a global high performance materials company, announced today that it will present its revised Ahlstrom EasyLife(TM) product range at China Wallcovering Expo 2012, in Beijing, China on March 2-5, 2012. China Wallcovering Expo is one of the major wallcovering tradeshows in China.

The revised EasyLife product range will feature new embossable materials, offering additional 3D capabilities which will enhance the design possibilities in wallcovers. All new products have been developed sustainably to minimize their environmental impact. All Ahlstrom wallcoverings utilize certified pulp, and the materials conform to the industry standards (CE and RAL). Recycled polyester is used in several new products and Ahlstrom is reducing the use of chemical binders, through substitution with natural binders.

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03.05.2012

Limited Brands Reports February 2012 Sales

Limited Brands, Inc. reported a comparable store sales increase of 8 percent for the four weeks ended Feb. 25, 2012, compared to the four weeks ended Feb. 26, 2011. The company reported net sales of $653.9 million for the four weeks ended Feb. 25, 2012, compared to net sales of $670.9 million last year.

February 2011 sales included $70.5 million attributable to the third party apparel sourcing business, which was sold in November 2011.

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03.05.2012

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011. The Company reported revenue for the fourth quarter and full year 2011 of $61.7 million and $221.4 million, respectively.

Revenues were $61.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $72.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, primarily due to lower advertising revenue that impacted both our publishing and broadcasting segments, as anticipated, partially offset by higher merchandising revenue.

Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2011 was $(0.04) million compared with $3.4 million in the prior-year period. Included in the fourth quarter of 2011 was a $1.3 million restructuring charge related to severance costs and staffing adjustments.

Revenues were $221.4 million in 2011, compared to $230.8 million in 2010.

Operating loss for the full-year 2011 was $(18.6) million, compared to an operating loss of $(8.7) million in 2010. Included in the 2011 results were restructuring charges of $5.1 million.

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03.05.2012

Target Reports February Sales Results

Target Corporation today reported that its net retail sales for the four weeks ended February 25, 2012 were $5,132 million, an increase of 8.0 percent from $4,750 million for the four weeks ended February 26, 2011. On this same basis, February comparable-store sales increased 7.0 percent.

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03.05.2012

Macy's, Inc. Same-Store Sales Rise 4.6% in February

Macy's, Inc. today reported total sales of $1.860 billion for the four weeks ended Feb. 25, 2012, an increase of 5.5 percent compared with total sales of $1.763 billion in the four weeks ended Feb. 26, 2011. On a same-store basis, Macy's, Inc. sales were up 4.6 percent in February 2012 as compared to February 2011.

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03.05.2012

Nordstrom Reports February Sales

Nordstrom, Inc. today reported a 10.2 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended February 25, 2012 compared with the four-week period ended February 26, 2011. Preliminary total retail sales of $704 million for February 2012 increased 16.2 percent compared with total retail sales of $606 million for the same period in fiscal 2011.

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03.05.2012

Saks Incorporated Announces February Comparable Store Sales

Retailer Saks Incorporated today announced that owned sales totaled $207.9 million for the four weeks ended February 25, 2012 compared to $196.2 million for the four weeks ended February 26, 2011, a 6.0% increase. Comparable store sales increased 6.6% for the month.

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03.05.2012

Domtar completes Attends Europe acquisition

Domtar Corporation today announced the completion of the acquisition of privately-held Attends Healthcare Limited ("Attends Europe"), manufacturer and supplier of adult incontinence care products in Europe, from Rutland Partners for €180 million, pursuant to a definitive agreement entered into on January 26, 2012.

Attends Europe sells and markets a complete line of branded and private-label adult incontinence care products distributed through several channels, with sales organizations in nine European countries. The company has 413 employees and operates a world-class 374,000 square foot (34,000 square meter) manufacturing facility with eight production lines, a research and development center and a distribution center in Aneby, Sweden, along with distribution centers in Scotland and Germany.

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03.05.2012

Kohl's Corporation Reports February Comparable Store Sales

Kohl’s Corporation reported today that for the four-week month ended February 25, 2012 total sales increased 1.1 percent and comparable store sales decreased 0.8 percent compared to the four-week month ended February 26, 2011.

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03.05.2012

Meredith Completes Acquisition of Allrecipes.com From Reader's Digest

Meredith Corporation and The Reader's Digest Association Inc. announced today that they have closed on the transaction for Meredith to acquire Allrecipes.com, the world's No. 1 digital food brand.

The acquisition of Allrecipes.com places Meredith first in comScore's Food Community rankings, and more than doubles the audience for the Meredith Women's Network. In total, Meredith can now offer advertisers and marketers access to more than 100 million unduplicated American women across all media platforms.

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03.05.2012

Domtar Printing Papers - Important Pricing Information

Given the rising input costs related to chemicals, energy and transportation, effective with shipments April 1, 2012, transaction pricing will increase $3.00/cwt for the following products: Husky® Opaque Offset Rolls; Domtar Reply Card Rolls; Domtar Recycled Offset 30% Rolls; Lynx® Opaque Ultra Rolls.

List pricing will increase $1.50/cwt for the following products: Husky® Opaque Offset Sheets – Folio and Cutsize; Domtar Reply Card Sheets – Folio and Cutsize; Domtar Recycled Offset 30% Sheets – Folio; Lynx® Opaque Ultra Sheets – Folio and Cutsize; Cougar® Sheets and Rolls.

All standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

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03.05.2012

Gap Inc. Reports February Sales

Gap Inc. today reported that February 2012 net sales increased 6 percent compared with last year.

Net sales for the four-week period ended February 25, 2012 were $874 million compared with net sales of $821 million for the four-week period ended February 26, 2011. The company’s comparable sales for February 2012, which include the associated comparable online sales, were up 4 percent compared with a 3 percent decrease for February 2011.

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03.05.2012

Golfsmith Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Preliminary Earnings Results

Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc., today announced preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011.

Fourth Quarter Highlights: Net revenues increased 2.3% to $74.5 million as compared to net revenues of $72.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Net revenues were positively impacted by our new store growth of four stores since the end of the fourth quarter last year. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in comparable store sales of 4.7% and a 3.5% decrease in net revenues from the direct-to-consumer channel, primarily due to a decline in traffic in October and a sales disruption related to the company-wide deployment of a new ERP system, particularly on our e-commerce site. Operating loss for the fourth quarter was $5.3 million as compared to an operating loss of $5.2 million for the same period last year. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 included $0.6 million in charges for legal and other professional services incurred outside the ordinary course of business, which we expect to continue to incur in the near future. Operating results for the fourth quarter of 2010 included $1.1 million in charges related to store closings, asset impairment and lease termination costs.

For the Fiscal Year 2011: Net revenues were $387.3 million for the year ending 2011 as compared to net revenues of $351.9 million for the same period last year. Net revenues reflect a 4.7% increase in comparable store sales and a 9.2% increase in net revenues from its direct-to-consumer channel. Operating income was $2.8 million for fiscal year 2011 as compared to an operating loss of $4.3 million for the same period last year. Results for 2011 included $1.3 million in charges for legal and other professional services incurred outside the ordinary course of business and $0.2 million in lease termination charges. Operating income for fiscal year 2010 included the $2.7 million in store closing costs.

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03.05.2012

Glatfelter Announces Price Increase

Glatfelter is announcing a price increase for several grades of Specialty Uncoated papers sold in our markets. The increase will be effective with shipments on or after April 1, 2012.

The increase will be $3.00 cwt for the following items: Adena™ Opaque; Logan™ Reply Card; Spring Forge® Offset; Thor® Plus; Thor® PCW; All other related offset grades.

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03.05.2012

International Paper Receives Prestigious Climate Leadership Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) (formerly the Pew Center on Global Climate Change), and The Climate Registry (TCR) named International Paper (NYSE: IP) among the winners of the inaugural Climate Leadership Awards. International Paper was recognized for aggressively managing and reducing green house gas (GHG) emissions.

"This award reaffirms our commitment to continuous improvement and reductions in our environmental footprint. Efforts to improve the environment are most successful when stewardship and business results go hand-in-hand," said Teri Shanahan, International Paper vice president of Sustainability.

During the past decade, International Paper has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels by 40 percent and has committed to reducing another 20 percent by 2020. "We are also proud of the fact that close to 70 percent of our energy needs are being met with carbon- neutral biofuels," Shanahan added.

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03.05.2012

Northstar Travel On the Block

Northstar Travel Media, the private equity-backed publisher of some of the industry’s best known travel-related brands, is up for sale and gauging interest from prospective buyers, several sources confirmed this week.

The company, which owns Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, Meetings & Conventions and Meeting News, among others, is among the first of what is expected to be a number of b-to-b media companies on the block this year and next. Northstar is owned by Boston Ventures and based in Secaucus, New Jersey.

After four years or more of bankruptcies, takeovers and distressed transactions with only a handful of successful deals, Northstar is a bellwether. If Boston Ventures successfully divests Northstar, it will be a clear signal to industry executives, bankers and financial investors that the market for traditional—but transformed—media companies has returned.

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03.05.2012

Finch Paper LLC Announces Price Increase

Effective with shipments April 1, 2012, prices for the following grades will increase $3.00/cwt: Finch Opaque rolls; Finch Casa Opaque rolls; Finch Offset rolls.

Prices will increase by $1.50/cwt for the following grades: All Finch Opaque sheets; Finch Casa Opaque sheets; All Finch Fine rolls and sheets; Premium Blend rolls and sheets.

All orders entered prior to March 2, 2012 will be invoiced at the acknowledged price. All other upcharges apply.

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03.03.2012

Austin Bans Disposable Paper, Plastic Bags

AUSTIN (March 2, 2012)--The Austin City Council has approved a ban on disposable plastic and paper bags at checkout counters for retailers.

The ban approved early Friday takes effect next March.

Reusable bags that are allowed include those made of cloth, durable materials or thicker paper and plastic bags with handles.

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03.03.2012

Catalyst Paper records near $1-billion loss after writedown of mill values

Catalyst Paper has written down the value of its four pulp and paper mills from over $1.2 billion in 2010 to $386 million, an $824 million drop that pushed its 2011 loss to almost $1 billion, the Richmond-based papermaker stated in its 2011 financial report.

The $824 million writedown is the main factor in Catalysts 2011 loss of $974 million.

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03.03.2012

Q&A: Food Packaging Innovations

Manufacturing.net's sister publication, Food Manufacturing, spoke with Terry Woolford of Eagle Product Inspection about the latest food packaging developments from last year, as well as what innovations to expect throughout the rest of 2012.

Q: What food packaging innovations were uncovered in 2011?

A: The packaging industry is in constant change, driven by technological innovations and consumer demands. Overall, some of the main innovations in 2011 regarded the development of new formats such as flexible packaging, pouches with safer reclosable packets and more portable containers. Also, innovative packaging materials such as metalized film increased in 2011.

Another increasing trend in the packaging industry is the concern for environmentally friendly packaging solutions, such as glass. Sustainable packaging options increasingly use recyclable materials that exclude potentially toxic components and allow food manufacturers to better allocate their resources, such as the

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03.03.2012

Neenah Paper to Present at Sidoti & Company's Sixteenth Annual New York Institutional Investor Forum

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Mar 01, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Neenah Paper, Inc. NP -1.27% announced today that the Company will be presenting at Sidoti & Company's Sixteenth Annual New York Institutional Investor Forum in New York on Monday, March 19, 2012. John O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer, and Bonnie Lind, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will be speaking at the event.

A copy of the presentation will be available on Neenah Paper's web site ( www.neenah.com ) under the "Investor Relations" section.

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03.03.2012

Kimberly-Clark Hikes Dividend

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB), with its quarterly dividend hike to 74 cents per share from 70 cents per share, boasts of a record of dividend increase for 40 years consecutively.

The company hiked its dividend by 6% and the increased dividend is payable on April 3, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 9, 2012.

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03.03.2012

International Paper Named Industry’s Most Admired Company

International Paper in Cantonment is part of the world’s most admired company in the forest and paper products industry, according to a list released by FORTUNE Magazine.
International Paper has received the award 9 of the last 10 years. IP was ranked No. 2 last year.

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03.03.2012

Sappi appointed official recycling partner for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challeng

Sappi today announced its appointment as the official recycling partner for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge® to be held on 08 March 2012 at Wanderers, Johannesburg. "We have not only entered the Challenge as a team but we are thrilled to announce that we are the Green Ambassadors for the race," said Anton van Rooyen, General Manager Sappi Refibre.

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge® Johannesburg leg of the race attracts 12,000 participants and thousands more at the 'after party'. As Green Ambassadors, Sappi will put up a 6 x 6m walk through display to raise awareness of the environment and of the need to Reduce, Re-use and Recycle. Van Rooyen commented: "We are committed to the 3Ps of sustainability - Prosperity, People and Planet. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill. This is also important, as landfills generate methane, a greenhouse gas with 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. So by recycling, we are indirectly helping to combat climate change."

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03.02.2012

RockTenn Announces Permanent Closure of Matane, Quebec Containerboard Mill

RockTenn announced today the permanent closure of its Matane, Quebec containerboard mill. The Matane mill, which RockTenn acquired in May 2011 as part of the Smurfit-Stone acquisition, had 176,000 tons per year of recycled corrugated medium production capacity. RockTenn ceased production at the mill in late January 2012. RockTenn took this action to balance its overall containerboard mill system capacity to match system demand, in light of major steps RockTenn is taking to realign system capacity and lower average system costs.

The Matane mill was the highest cost mill in the RockTenn containerboard mill system after accounting for all costs, including freight and overhead. RockTenn intends to work with the City of Matane and other interested parties to determine the best alternative use for the site. RockTenn expects to incur pre-tax charges presently estimated at $29 million, including an estimated $12 million pre-tax for non-cash inventory and property, plant and equipment write-downs. RockTenn presently expects to record approximately $23 million of the charges in the second fiscal quarter ending March 2012. The remaining charges to decommission and dispose of the facility will be expensed as incurred. The amount and timing of expense incurred may vary depending upon, among other things, the duration and method of disposal. RockTenn believes that the containerboard system cost savings from the closure of the Matane mill will be approximately $16 million per year.

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03.02.2012

Commercial paper market under pressure

NEW YORK, March 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. commercial paper market is under pressure as companies issue longer-dated debt to lock in historically low interest rates rather than relying on short-term debt.

Uncertainties about the future of the $2.6 trillion U.S. money fund industry, which is a major buyer of commercial paper, might have also caused corporations to refrain from issuing the short-term debt, analysts and investors said on Thursday.

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03.02.2012

Packaging improvements help J&J expand its sustainable products portfolio

Johnson & Johnson has added 19 new products to its Earthwards portfolio: 15 in 2011 and four to date in 2012. Earthwards is an internal process used by the company's product teams to innovate better products with smaller environmental footprints. The process is intended to support and encourage sustainable product development throughout the Johnson & Johnson family of companies.

With these 19 additions, the total number of products that have been recognized with the Earthwards recognition stands at 30 today, which is halfway to meeting Johnson & Johnson's Healthy Future 2015 goal of having 60 products in its Earthwards portfolio. Some of the products receiving Earthwards recognition in 2011 occurred, for the first time, in markets outside of the U.S., including Europe, China and Brazil.

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03.02.2012

Plastic packaging market will reach $196.42 billion in 2012

The Plastic Packaging Market 2012-2022 is Visiongain’s new materials report. The global plastic packaging market is a steadily growing market which is expected to follow a modest growth rate in mature markets and a progressive above-average growth rate in emerging markets. Visiongain calculates that the plastic packaging market will reach $196.42 billion in 2012.

Although the consumption of flexible plastic packaging is growing at a rapid pace, rigid plastic packaging holds the majority of the market.

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03.02.2012

Mill sale process continues

Progress is continuing to be made in the sale of the shuttered NewPage paper mill, but the mill will soon have to start drawing on funds the province has committed to keep it ready for a restart.

Court-appointed monitor Ernst & Young filed its seventh report with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court Monday (Feb. 27). Pacific West Commercial Corp., headed by Ron Stern, is in talks to buy the mill, which shut down indefinitely in September.

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02.28.2012

Digital, Subscription Revenues Ever More Important for FT Group

Since 2007, the Financial Times Group has grown its digital business from a quarter of overall revenues to almost half, says Pearson in its 2011 financials. While traditional lines of business are flat or down, the group is placing a premium on digital and subscription revenues.

Advertising, says Pearson, has been "weak and volatile with poor visibility." Growth in online ads and the luxury category offset by a decline in corporate advertising.

On a more macro level, Pearson expects corporate digital revenues to overtake traditional publishing revenues this year.

Meanwhile, digital accounted for 47 percent of revenues for the FT Group in 2011, content revenues were 58 percent and advertising pulled up the rear at 42 percent. In 2007, advertising accounted for 59 percent of revenues.

Overall, revenues were up 6 percent in 2011 to $677 million, with operating profits up 27 percent to $120 million for the Group.

With advertising on the decline, subscriptions continued to be a bright spot, particularly in digital. Online subs grew 29 percent to 267,000 and registered users were up 33 percent to more than 4 million.

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02.28.2012

OJI Paper Group Announcement of Construction of New Corrugated Box Plant in Cambodia

Pursuant to the resolution passed at a meeting of the board of directors held on February 28, 2012, Oji Paper Co., Ltd. ("Oji Paper") is pleased to announce that it has reached a decision to establish a new company incorporated in Cambodia and construct a new corrugated box plant at Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia. Oji Paper Group has expanded and strengthened its packaging business in Southeast Asian countries which keep stable economic growth. After the construction of this new plant, Oji Paper Group will hold 15 corrugated box plants in Southeast Asia including 2 in Cambodia. Oji Paper Group will be intent on reinforcing relationship between these business sites, improving customer service, enhancing our competitiveness, and will advance our group business further in Southeast Asia.
1. Overview of new plant: 1) Form of establishment Incorporation of a new entity in Cambodia; 2) Company name Ojitex Harta Packaging (Sihanoukville) Ltd.; 3) Location Sihanoukville Port SEZ (Special Economic Zone); 4) Business activity Production and sale of corrugated box and sheet; 5) Operation start Early in 2013 (planned); 6) Investment amount JPY 1.2 billion (US$15.6million); 7) Production capacity 67 million m2 per year.

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02.28.2012

TriMas Corporation Announces Acquisition of 70% of Arminak & Associates

TriMas Corporation – a diversified manufacturer of engineered and applied products – announced today that it has acquired 70 percent of Arminak & Associates, LLC for $64 million, with $59 million paid in cash at closing. The agreement provides TriMas an option to purchase, and Arminak an option to sell, Arminak's remaining 30 percent interest in the company. The transaction closed on February 24, 2012, at which time Arminak became part of the Company's Packaging segment.

"We continue to identify and execute on acquisitions that are consistent with our targeted growth platforms of packaging, energy and aerospace," said David Wathen, president and chief executive officer of TriMas Corporation. "This acquisition complements our growth strategies for our Rieke business and provides opportunities for additional synergies."

Arminak & Associates is a leader in the design, manufacture and supply of foamers, lotion pumps, fine mist sprayers and other packaging solutions for the cosmetic, personal care, beauty aids and household product markets. Headquartered in Southern California, Arminak generated approximately $60 million in revenue for the 12 months ended December 31, 2011.

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02.28.2012

TriMas Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results

TriMas Corporation today announced financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2011. The Company reported record fourth quarter net sales from continuing operations of $259.7 million, an increase of 22.2% compared to fourth quarter 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 income from continuing operations was $7.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, as compared to $7.6 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2010. Excluding Special Items(1), fourth quarter 2011 income from continuing operations would have been $8.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company reported net sales from continuing operations of $1.084 billion, an increase of 20.1% compared to 2010. The Company reported full year income from continuing operations of $50.8 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $38.9 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, in 2010. Excluding Special Items, full year 2011 income from continuing operations would have been $54.8 million or $1.58 per diluted share, an increase of 39.8% as compared to full year 2010.

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02.28.2012

Micro Businesses Report Growth in Customers and Revenue for 2011

Vistaprint N.V., a leading online provider of professional marketing products and services to micro businesses and the home, today revealed the results of its first "Small Business Happiness Index" for 2012. The index gauges micro business owner sentiment and provides information on topics that include their overall happiness, customer growth, revenue and a desire to continue to work for themselves, rather than someone else.

The quarterly survey generated over 1,900 responses from U.S. based micro businesses (businesses with between 1-10 employees), and showed the vast majority (79 percent) increased their total customer count in 2011. Correspondingly, 71 percent indicated that they had also seen an increase in revenue as a result. Both are positive signs for the overall economy as well as the micro business market, which numbers more than 25 million businesses in the U.S. alone.

In terms of optimism in running their own businesses, 64 percent of micro businesses are "extremely happy" or "very happy," while 69 percent said that they strongly preferred being self-employed, rather than working for someone else. Both of these results were consistent with data from last quarter's survey, not showing any marked rise or decline.

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02.27.2012

Pearson 2011 Preliminary results

Financial performance: Sales up 6% at CER in spite of tough trading conditions in many markets. Adjusted operating profit up 12% to £942m with growth in all businesses. Adjusted EPS up 12% to 86.5p (headline growth). Cash conversion remains strong at 104%; operating cash flow of £983m (£1,057m in 2010, which benefited from an unusually high working capital contribution). Return on invested capital of 9.1%, above Pearson’s cost of capital; ROIC lower than in 2010 largely due to significant acquisition spend and higher cash tax.

Growth markets: Digital revenues up 18% in headline terms to £2bn, now 33% of Pearson’s sales. Substantial digital growth in all parts of Pearson including: Students using our digital learning programmes up 23% to 43m. Penguin eBook revenues up 106%; now 12% of total Penguin revenues. FT digital subscriptions up 29% to 267,000; approximately 44% of total paid circulation. Developing markets revenues up 24% in headline terms to $1bn ($834m in 2010), now 11% of Pearson’s sales.

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02.27.2012

Adobe Technology Powering Massive Growth in Digital Publishing

At Mobile World Congress, Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced that more than 16 million digital publications were powered by Adobe® Digital Publishing Suite across tablets over the last year. The company also released key insights about digital magazine and newspaper application usage, based on anonymous data aggregated from nearly 600 publishers worldwide who have created around 1,500 tablet publications using Adobe Digital Publishing Suite. In addition, Adobe announced new innovations that add more enterprise-class functionality and extensibility to the Digital Publishing Suite, helping organizations drive digital revenue and brand engagement through digital publications. Key enhancements include new in-app merchandising, provisioning of targeted content based on user role, and accelerated app creation.

The anonymous, aggregate data is derived from publications delivered using Adobe Digital Publishing Suite and shows shifts in reading patterns, willingness to pay for tablet applications, accelerated purchase funnel and advertising engagement. Tablets are driving new revenue for publishers as consumers pay for digital media content. Business publishers are also using tablet applications to drive awareness of their brands as well as the purchase of goods and services.

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02.27.2012

Sears will spin off some stores, sell others; reports 4th-quarter loss

Sears said Thursday that it’s unloading some of its profit-busting stores, but the retailer fell short of revealing how it plans to woo shoppers back into its remaining ones.

Investors have long speculated that the troubled retailer could sell off its massive real estate holdings to generate extra cash. But industry watchers say that will do little to solve Sears’ main problem: Rivals have been able to lure customers away from the chain because of its drab stores and unexciting merchandise.

“The image is atrocious. The stores are old and they’re run down. They don’t look like a nice place to visit,” said Ron Friedman, a partner in the retail and consumer products industry group of accounting firm Marcum, LLP in New York. “I don’t think that the Sears we see today can be around from a year today. It has to change.”

As part of a plan to turnaround the company, Sears Holdings Corp., based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., said on Thursday that it will spin off of its smaller Hometown and Outlet stores as well as some hardware stores in a deal expected to raise $400 million to $500 million.

In a separate deal, Sears will sell 11 stores to the real estate company General Growth Properties for $270 million. The company, led by billionaire investor Edward Lampert, also said it plans to cut inventory by $580 million.

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02.27.2012

Amcor Flexibles wins Gold and Silver at Annual Flexible Packaging Association Achievement Awards

Amcor Flexibles was the proud recipient of two awards at the Flexible Packaging Association's (FPA) Annual Achievement Awards held on 22 February 2012, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The FPA is the leading trade organization for flexible packaging converters and suppliers. The Annual Achievement Awards honor packaging and converting organizations that demonstrate breakthrough technologies, printing techniques, package structures, environmental advantages and new end-uses.

"Amcor is pleased to be recognized for these great packaging solutions," said Tom Cochran, Vice President and General Manager - Americas & Medical Europe, Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas. "We are committed to innovation and to investing in the products, processes and services that meet our customers' unique needs," he added.

Amcor Flexibles received the Gold Award in the 'Technical Innovation' category for its Interior Tinted/Printed Formpack®, serving the prescription and OTC blister pack markets. "We work in partnership with our customers to respond to their needs with solutions that deliver the highest standards of product integrity and safety," said Art Castro, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas.

Amcor's Interior Tinted/Printed Formpack® is a product extension of the coldform materials offered by Amcor. This product allows customers to package the full range of tablet colors without the downtime and scrap caused by false rejections. Moreover, blister packaging line efficiency is improved and overall costs are reduced. Amcor's product enables customers to use the tinted package without conducting new stability testing which results in faster product launches and speed to market.

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02.27.2012

Crude Futures Snap Longest Rally in Two Years as IMF Warns on Economy

Oil fell, halting its longest rally in two years, after a warning from the International Monetary Fund on the global economy sparked concern that prices have climbed too fast.

Futures slid as much as 1.4 percent in New York after seven days of gains. Oil’s relative strength index signaled that the longest winning streak since January 2010 may have been exaggerated. The world economy is “not out of the danger zone” amid fragile financial systems and rising oil prices, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said yesterday. Prices gained the most in two months last week amid tensions with Iran, OPEC’s second-biggest producer.

“A correction is well overdue,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London who predicts that prices will hold at about current levels this week. Oil’s “relentless push higher could only be explained by pure supply-side fears.”

Oil for April delivery fell as much as $1.53 to $108.24 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $108.37 at 11:10 a.m. London time. The contract gained 1.8 percent to $109.77 on Feb. 24, the highest close since May 3.

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02.27.2012

Book-A-Zines, Food and Guns Brighten Dark Newsstand

Hammered by the loss of Borders, recession and overall pressure on the print industry, newsstands sales declined in Q4 2011 10.2% in the U.S. market, according to MagNet. From its point-of-sale analysis, MagNet pegs sales for the last quarter of the year at $739.6 million, down $84.3 million from same period in 2010.

Despite overall declines, some categories are showing resilience in the food and wine segment, which was up 2.2% for the quarter, along with general interest books (+1.3%) and home titles (+1.2%). The celebrity weeklies, while still representing 23.3% of overall sales, continued to be under pressure, off 12.5% in the quarter, although MagNet says it sees some leveling of the decline in early 2012.

MagNet also calls out the surprising strength in gun titles, where both Guns Magazine and Garden & Guns had double-digit increases. Also strong were special issues and book-a-zine publications that often carried higher prices. Wenner Media saw a 1 million copy increase in its specials sales, which helped stem the red ink flow at newsstand for the company to a modest -1.7%. Wenner says that a highly popular retrospective special issue on Beatles albums contributes to that success. MagNet observes that U.S. and Canadian consumers seem willing to spend money on quality publications that appeal to their passions.

All sales outlets saw declines for Q4, led by Supercenters (-11.1%), Bookstores (-14.1%) after the demise of Borders, convenience stores (-14.9%) and general newsstands (-10.4%).

The rank order of leading publishers remained much the same since 2010, with Time, American Media and Bauer leading the pack in that order. But while almost all major publishers saw their newsstand sales decline for Q4, Canadian consumer and b2b firm Rogers Publishing was up 14.4% and Harris grew .9%.

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02.27.2012

Information and consultation process to discontinue Gohrsmühle mill’s unprofitable operations finalised

M-real Corporation, part of Metsä Group, has concluded the information and consultation process at the Gohrsmühle mill in Germany. In order to eliminate the severe losses of the mill, M-real started the negotiations with the workers’ representatives concerning the planned discontinuation of the mill’s uncoated fine paper and unprofitable speciality paper production. M-real released a stock exchange bulletin on 18 October 2011 concerning these plans.

Following the conclusion of the negotiations, M-real is able to make the final decisions to discontinue Gohrsmühle mill’s uncoated fine paper production and the production of the unprofitable speciality papers. As a result, M-real’s annual uncoated fine paper capacity reduces by approximately 120,000 tonnes and speciality paper capacity by 70,000 tonnes. The related personnel reduction of maximum 260 people will be implemented by the end of the second quarter of 2012. The level of redundancy costs is in line with the cost provisions made in the last quarter of 2011.

M-real continues the Chromolux business and is currently investigating possibilities to start up folding boxboard sheeting operations at the Gohrsmühle site.

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02.27.2012

Penton Media’s Technology Media Group Goes All-Digital

Penton Media’s Technology Media Group announced that, in response to audience and marketer demand, it is transforming all of its brands to all-digital beginning in May 2012.

“We conducted research amongst our audience and advertisers and found that they were really looking for an enhanced digital experience and were becoming less reliant on print magazines,” said Peg Miller, Penton technology market leader. “Remember that these are largely people who are IT professionals and developers and work in a digital environment. We listened to them, and are building very new and robust products that meet their needs.

“Market demand and audience engagement have increased for digital editions – we had double-digit gains in digital edition subscriptions in the past year,” she continued. “We’re finding that our audience prefers to learn about technology through multiple channels – whether it be printed words, videos, audio, screencasts and in-person events.”

Penton Technology Media Group brands include: Windows IT Pro, Paul Thurrott’s Windows SuperSite, SQL Server Pro, DevPro, System iNetwork, Power IT Pro, SharePoint Pro, DevConnections & WinConnections conferences, MSPmentor, Talkin’ Cloud and The VAR Guy.

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02.27.2012

Quad Expands Services to Rite Aid in New Multiyear, Multichannel Agreement

Quad/Graphics, Inc. will become the exclusive printer of retail inserts for Rite Aid Corporation under a new multiyear agreement that also includes producing digital online editions of Rite Aid’s weekly newspaper circular promotions. Quad/Graphics previously had been printing Rite Aid’s insert advertising for Eastern states, and effective April 1 will pick up all Western distribution as well for a 100% position. The agreement also includes additional page prep and related media workflow solutions, as well as the additional freight work to support nationwide distribution.

“Rite Aid is one of the leading drugstore retailers in America and has been one of our largest and most loyal customers,” said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO of Quad/Graphics. “This new agreement confirms the value of our larger national platform combined with a company commitment to new media solutions that are more integrated, efficient and effective.”

Jim Pilsner, Rite Aid’s Vice President of Advertising, said Quad/Graphics’ technology and innovation provided a compelling business case for an expanded relationship. “Quad/Graphics will now be printing our inserts coast-to-coast, and also producing our digital online editions,” he said. “Our customers across the country will be able to access Rite Aid promotions in print, online and mobile channels, with complex Quad/Graphics geo-versioning ensuring they get the right content, in the right place at the right time.”

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02.27.2012

SCA Containerboard named best scoring company in WWF's Environmental Paper Company Index 2011

At SCA Containerboard we are extremely proud to be named the best scoring company in the Environmental Paper Company Index of WWF!

With so much focus and attention from media and public opinion, the risk, when it comes to environmental and social responsibility, is to promote the subject and forget the content; giving voice to empty words and disconnect actions from results.

At SCA Containerboard we have decided, a long time ago, to walk the talk of real sustainability, making it a key element of the validation of our offer; all our workforce is behind our strong ethical commitments towards this vital social aspect of doing business nowadays, the result is an uncompromised approach to carbon dioxide emissions, improved water usage, responsible use of wood raw material and code of Conduct compliance.

Our products are carrying the results of our hard work, expressing the relentless energies devoted in engaging our ethical commitments in offering environmentally-sound products, capable of continuously meeting Customers’ needs with respect to functionality, economy, safety, social and environmental impact.

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02.27.2012

ThermoSafe Brands Expands Certis® Packaging Line

ThermoSafe Brands, a business of Sonoco, is pleased to introduce Certis Silver, the latest offering in the Certis line of off-the-shelf packaging solutions for temperature-sensitive products. Designed to the ISCsilver™ Ambient Temperature Profile, Certis Silver packaging solutions offer reliable temperature assurance for moderate distribution environments.

The addition of Certis Silver effectively expands the Certis footprint to encompass a broad range of 2 C – 8 C applications. Certis Gold solutions, which are based on the rigorous ISCgold™ Ambient Temperature Profile, were developed to maintain the same strict temperature control seen with Certis Silver, but under more volatile shipping and storing conditions.

“ThermoSafe Brands has leveraged the elegant Certis design platform, expanding the product line to meet the global needs of customers with less stringent temperature profile requirements,” said D’Arcy Ryan, director of Marketing for ThermoSafe Brands. “Certis Silver offers quick-to-market and cost-effective solutions in the refrigerated temperature range,” Ryan added.

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02.27.2012

Standard Register Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Financial Results

Standard Register today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2011. The Company reported revenue of $161.4 million and a net loss of $95.5 million, or $3.28 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2011. The results compare to prior year fourth quarter revenue of $172.7 million and a net profit of $1.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income, adjusted for pension loss amortization, restructuring charges and the deferred tax allowance, was $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2011 as compared to $4.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the same period in 2010.

For the full year 2011, the Company reported revenue of $648.1 million and a net loss of $87.7 million, or $3.02 per diluted share. The annual results compare to prior year revenue of $668.4 million and a net profit of $0.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income, adjusted for pension loss amortization and settlement, restructuring charges, the deferred tax valuation allowance, and post-retirement termination benefits, was $7.7 million for the full year, or $0.26 per diluted share as compared to $13.2 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in 2010.

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02.27.2012

The Washington Post Company Reports 2011 and Fourth Quarter Earnings

The Washington Post Company today reported net income attributable to common shares of $116.2 million ($14.70 per share) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, compared to net income attributable to common shares of $277.2 million ($31.04 per share) for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011. Net income includes $4.2 million ($0.53 per share) and $42.1 million ($4.71 per share) in losses from discontinued operations for fiscal year 2011 and 2010, respectively. Income from continuing operations attributable to common shares was $120.4 million ($15.23 per share) for fiscal year 2011, compared to $319.3 million ($35.75 per share) for fiscal year 2010. As a result of the Company’s share repurchases, there were 11% fewer diluted average shares outstanding in 2011.

For the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company reported net income attributable to common shares of $61.7 million ($8.03 per share), compared to net income attributable to common shares of $79.0 million ($9.42 per share) for the same period of 2010. Net income includes $1.6 million ($0.21 per share) and $0.8 million ($0.10 per share) in income from discontinued operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 and 2010, respectively. Income from continuing operations attributable to common shares was $60.1 million ($7.82 per share) for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, compared to $78.1 million ($9.32 per share) for the same period of 2010.

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02.24.2012

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Reports 2011 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Financial Results

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. today announced fourth quarter results consistent with the Company's most recent guidance. For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012, jcpenney reported a net loss of $87 million, or $0.41 per share. As previously announced, this reported loss includes restructuring and management transition charges which totaled $0.56 per share, as well as the financial impact of actions taken to execute the Company's new pricing and promotional strategy, which lowered fourth quarter earnings by an additional $0.59 per share. The Company took these strategic actions in the fourth quarter of 2011 to position jcpenney to begin operating under the new, simplified strategy on Feb. 1, 2012 – the first day of its transformation.

Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter declined 1.8 percent. Total sales decreased 4.9 percent, reflecting the Company's previous exit from its catalog and catalog outlet businesses. Internet sales through jcp.com were $480 million in the fourth quarter, decreasing 3.1 percent from last year.

Gross margin decreased $506 million compared with last year's fourth quarter. As a percent of sales, gross margin in the fourth quarter decreased approximately 740 basis points to 30.2 percent, compared to 37.6 percent in the same period last year.

For 2011, comparable store sales increased 0.2 percent. Total sales decreased 2.8 percent for the year. Internet sales through jcp.com remained essentially flat at $1.5 billion.

For the year, the Company's gross margin decreased $742 million from last year. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased 320 basis points to 36.0 percent when compared to last year. For the year, SG&A dollars decreased $249 million or 4.6 percent.

The Company reported an operating loss for the full year of $2 million, which includes $451 million of restructuring and management transition charges. Excluding restructuring and management transition charges and the non-cash qualified pension plan expense of $87 million for the year; adjusted operating income was $536 million.

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