SGK, formerly marketed as Schawk Inc., a leading global brand development, activation and deployment company that drives brand performance, announced today that the completion of the definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Matthews International Corporation positions it to expand its brand performance offering to include "brand delivery" services, enhance its brand development services and deepen its brand deployment services.

Currently, SGK provides brand development and brand deployment services to marketers worldwide. Brand development services are offered under the Brandimage and Anthem nameplates. Both brands work to create brand desirability. According to the comapny, Brandimage does this by creating meaningful brands, and Anthem does this by amplifying and selling brands. Brand deployment services, which help create brand profitability, are offered under the Schawk nameplate. Schawk strives to do this by producing brand assets and protecting brand equities.

The brand delivery offering is expected to include services required to deliver printing plates and cylinders and may be expanded in the future. Matthews Brand Solutions has been engraving cylinders and processing plates for several decades and has a significant presence and trusted reputation in Europe. Additionally, the Merchandising Services Division of Matthews Brand Solutions will enhance SGK’s brand development offering.

David A. Schawk, chief executive officer of SGK remarked: “While the capabilities of SGK and Matthews Brand Solutions are exceptionally complementary with very little overlap, a rigorous plan for the successful integration of both operations is already being designed by a team of internal leaders and external advisors.” Added Schawk, “We are committed to identifying, adopting and supporting the very best products, services and practices — those that provide the greatest value to our clients — regardless of which business originated them.”

Eric Ashworth, president of SGK remarked: “In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be looking at how to create a richer, more integrated set of brand development services; one that gives control of the brand from the moment of its creation to its activation across channels through the in-store experience, in the hands of marketers.” Added Ashworth, “Coupled with an enhanced brand deployment offering and a new brand delivery offering, SGK is in a fantastic position to empower our brand performance offering.”