It’s business as usual for the new owners of Eclipse Imaging in Burlington, Ont.; the only difference now is that the two men running the operation own the shop as well.
Grant Malcolm (pictured left) and Ralph Misale (right) are now 50/50 owners of the roughly $20 million printing business that specializes in making things bigger than life.
Misale, a 14-year veteran of the company now assumes the position of Chief Operating Officer, while Malcolm, the operation’s controller who’s been with the outfit for eight years, takes on the Chief Financial Officer role. The two bought the business from Adams Outdoor Advertising, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia—a company that owns and services outdoor billboard advertising outlets in the U.S.
"I first approached them last spring," says Malcolm. He and Misale had discussed the possibility and together made the decision to take it to the next level. The acquisition process lasted nine months, and with the support of both Adams Outdoor and a competent team of financial and legal experts, Misale and Malcolm were able to close the deal on February 22nd.
Eclipse Imaging dates back to 1954, originating down the road in Hamilton. Started as Hamilton Screen Printing, the shop relocated to Burlington and became simply HSP Graphics, transitioning away from screen printing and towards large format offset lithography using 77-inch Harris presses. In 2002 the company moved into its current 70,000 sq. ft. space and now houses four 77-inch litho presses and five large format digital inkjet printing systems.
Adams Outdoor became part owners of the business in the early 90s and took over full ownership in 1999. It was the only printing business in their portfolio. According to Misale, Adams has always maintained an arms-length relationship, allowing the company to operate somewhat autonomously. "They trusted us to run the business," he says.
The new owners are roll-up-your-sleeves managers with a real feel for the business. "As owners, we try to be as engaged as we can be," says Misale. The two have been sharing the general management responsibilities at the shop since last summer. Included on their new executive team is Andrea Street as Vice President Human Resources and Kelly Caplan, Vice President Client Services.
"The mood is great around here," says Misale. "The employees are happy, and there’s a real feeling of certainty in the building."
Eclipse Imaging specializes in out of home advertising (billboards, transit shelters, other outdoor), transit signage, as well as retail in-store promotions including in-store signage, point of sale, and point of purchase. The company regularly produces work for the well-recognized brands from automotive and financial to high-end fashion and luxury items.
