Graphic Arts Advisors Facilitates the Combination of Ace Twill with Associates International
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ, April 16, 2026—Graphic Arts Advisors, a leading M&A advisory and consulting firm serving the printing, packaging, mailing, and graphic communications industries, served as exclusive M&A advisor to Ace Twill in its combination with Associates International (Ai), Wilmington, DE. The transaction reflects continued consolidation among commercial printers as established operators seek to deepen capabilities, expand service offerings, and strengthen their position in specialized market segments.
Through the transaction, Ace Twill’s operations, customer relationships, and core capabilities will be integrated into Associates International’s platform, ensuring continuity of service and providing a foundation for future growth. Graphic Arts Advisors managed all aspects of the process, including positioning Ace Twill’s offset and digital printing capabilities, conducting targeted outreach, and advising on negotiations, due diligence, and closing. The advisory team was led by Mitch Evans, Managing Director at Graphic Arts Advisors.
“This acquisition represents an exciting step forward for Associates International,” said Joe Farley, President of Associates International. “Ace Twill brings a strong legacy of quality, service, and trusted customer relationships, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. By combining our capabilities and continuing to invest in advanced technologies and automation, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth, expand our service offerings, and deliver even more innovative, high-impact solutions to our customers.”
Evans noted, “This transaction brought together two companies with highly complementary capabilities and a shared commitment to enterprise-level service and customer satisfaction. From the outset, the opportunity to combine Ace Twill’s specialized expertise with Ai’s broader platform stood out as the best path forward, preserving the strengths of the business while positioning it for continued growth within a larger organization.”
Known for its expertise in short- to medium-run offset and digital printing, Ace Twill has built a strong reputation for exceptional quality, reliable delivery, and a commitment to integrity and accountability, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. The integration of Ace Twill’s operations into Associates International ensures that these capabilities—and the team supporting them—continue to serve customers within an expanded operational framework.
Founded in 1973, Associates International has evolved from a traditional commercial printer into a full-service marketing communications partner, offering services spanning commercial print, direct mail, large-format graphics, creative strategy, and fulfillment. The combination of Ace Twill’s business with Ai enhances the company’s operational depth and strengthens its presence in key end markets, supported by Ai’s strategically located Wilmington facility.
“When we assumed the reins at Ace Twill in 1993, our goal was simple: build a company our customers could count on,” said John Cooper and Brett Cooper, co-owners of Ace Twill. “More than thirty years later, Associates International stood out as the right partner to carry that forward with a team that shares our values of quality, integrity, and long-term customer commitment, and with the resources and vision to take Ace Twill’s capabilities to the next level. We’re grateful to Mitch Evans and the Graphic Arts Advisors team for bringing us to Ai and guiding us through every step of this process.”
About Graphic Arts Advisors:Graphic Arts Advisors, LLC is an M&A advisory and consulting firm focused exclusively on the printing, packaging, mailing, marketing, production execution, and related graphic communications industries. The firm publishes The Target Report, a leading monthly commentary on industry direction based on publicly reported transactions. Graphic Arts Advisors is headquartered in Mountain Lakes, NJ, with advisors located throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit https://www.graphicartsadvisors.com/.
Contact:
Mark Hahn
Senior Managing Director
Graphic Arts Advisors
973-588-7399