Equity Partners Sells Darby Printing

ATLANTA—April 17, 2013—Darby Printing has completed a going concern sale transaction with an overseas entity. Equity Partners CRB, a Maryland-based investment banker, served as intermediary for the seller, while McKenna, Long, and Aldridge provided counsel. Cedar Rapids, IA-based law firm, Elderkin and Pirnie, along with Burr Forman in Atlanta, represented the buyer.

Founded in 1872, Darby Printing produces a wide range of books, general commercial work, digital media products and various company and customer-owned subscription publications. Darby also publishes/produces several legal products on its own including several printed federal and state court rule books. The company operates out of a modern 75,000-square-foot facility situated on eight acres of land with ample room for storage and growth.

In December 2012, Equity Partners CRB was retained as the exclusive broker for Darby Printing. The owner, Hugh Carter, had been contemplating retirement for years and he finally decided it was time to sell. Equity Partners quickly completed a 45-day marketing process and generated three going concern offers. After several rounds of negotiations, an entirety offer was selected that paid off all creditors and provided substantial return for equity holders. The business continues to operate under new ownership without a single day of interruption for clients or employees.

Robert Howlett, vice president of sales and marketing, commented “The energy level of the transition has been great for our employees and customers. We continue to provide for our existing clients in a seamless manner, while looking forward to expanding our business relationships going forward.”

Matt LoCascio, managing director at Equity Partners CRB also expressed that Equity Partners is very pleased with the result for Carter and the Darby employees. "A successful transition of the business to new ownership and continued employment for over 25 people is a great outcome. Hopefully Darby Printing will be around for another 140 years.”

About Equity Partners CRB
Equity Partners CRB, based in Easton, MD, provides investment banking and advisory services for companies in a wide range of industries and has completed in excess of 400 engagements throughout the United States since 1988.

Source: Equity Partners.