Advocate acquires major Transcontinental business in the Maritimes

Advocate Printing and Publishing (Pictou, Nova Scotia) has acquired some major business in the Maritimes from Transcontinental Incorporated as Advocate continues to grow and evolve its position as the Atlantic Canada market leader in commercial printing. Advocate now has most of Transcontinental’s Dartmouth-based commercial printing business – including associated assets, sales force, client services team and the opportunity to service Transcontinental’s current Atlantic Canada commercial printing clients through the Dartmouth facility. Advocate will not assume ownership of Transcontinental’s national clients, newspaper publishing and newspaper printing operations, or its retail flyer printing business.

“We’re excited to welcome new members to the growing Advocate family and provide the best client service, printing and creative options in Atlantic Canada,” said Sean Murray, President and CEO of Advocate Printing. “Our focus now is bringing the benefits of our expanded team and capabilities to our new and existing client base.” The incoming sales and client service team will remain in Dartmouth at Advocate’s office in Burnside, while several production positions will be offered to support increased output at the Pictou and Bridgewater facilities. “This acquisition strengthens our position as Atlantic Canada’s leader in commercial printing and is another positive step in the continued growth and evolution of our business,” Murray added. “The move allows us to grow and service our customer base through existing Nova Scotia facilities in Pictou, Bridgewater and our New Brunswick facilities in Dieppe and St. Stephen.”
The majority of the new production will be transferred to Advocate’s flagship printing facility in Pictou, with some production going to Bridgewater. Acquired assets will bolster efficiencies and modernize Advocate’s high-quality short-run and medium-run printing facility in Bridgewater. Other equipment will be slated for the company’s Dieppe facility and St. Stephen, where Advocate focuses on entrepreneurial print and administrative printing.
Founded in 1891, Advocate Printing & Publishing is headquartered in Pictou, Nova Scotia and is the largest independent printer in Atlantic Canada. The company services clients throughout the Atlantic Provinces, the eastern seaboard and across Canada through printing facilities in Pictou, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and Dieppe and St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Its print business includes production of everything from national flyers, magazines and direct mail, to brochures, business cards and promotional materials. Advocate publishes 10 newspapers, 21 trade and regional magazines, has a flyer distribution organization, and operates commercial photography, creative design and digital services.