Mergers and acquisitions have been one of the hottest topics in the label and package printing industry for several years now. In fact, L&NW readership frequents online stories on M&A more than other topics. Recent statistics from ITR Economics show that 2025 and 2026 are poised for lots of M&A activity. While this has certainly been the industry trend, not every company is looking to venture into the world of private equity.

FLAG (Flexo Label Advantage Group) recently hosted the 13th edition of its Annual Members Meeting in Overland Park, KS, USA. The core philosophy of FLAG is providing resources and advantages to converters that want to maintain their independence. So while numerous companies are pursuing private equity, many are still striving to remain independent. FLAG has continued to grow, as the organization now boasts 141 converter members and 32 vendor partners. Its Annual Members Meeting featured record-setting attendance, as converter members seek knowledge, support, and networking opportunities to grow their businesses outside of M&A.

FLAG, too, was recently approached by a private equity company. However, in sticking with its mantra of independence, FLAG opted to partner with Corcentric in an effort to bring its members and vendor partners even more benefits. Corcentric is a global provider of B2B commerce solutions, specializing in procurement, payments, and finance for enterprise and middle-market companies.

“This partnership is going to revolutionize the way FLAG members and vendor partners collaborate,” said FLAG founder John McKay.  “We are improving our operational workflows and delivering bigger advantages to everyone, more than ever before. This new partnership creates tremendous new value for everyone here.”

Kevin Briggs, president of SpectraGraphics, cited the benefits of FLAG in promoting independence. As an advocate for the industry, Briggs found value in opening up his doors as this year’s host company.

“I volunteered us because we’re a testament to what a small converter can do for growth – its equipment, people, and processes,” said Briggs.

Meanwhile, during a recent visit with Crane Consumables, Robert Crane, vice president, noted that AI has the power to “leverage the playing field” for smaller converters looking to compete with the big conglomerates. In Crane’s estimation, AI can help perform certain tasks, specifically in software and design, that will mitigate the absence of employees. A smaller converter might only have 30-40 employees, and less, in some cases. Many of the growing private equity giants have locations throughout the US – and further, too. 

In order to compete, support from places like FLAG and technologies such as AI, along with more automated equipment, will help small converters continue to grow.  The technology that will help support the smaller converter has been featured at multiple open houses and tradeshows throughout the spring. That will continue as the industry gears up for Labelexpo Europe, which heads to Barcelona, Spain, for the first time in September. M&A isn’t for everyone, and the solutions are out there to continue that quest for independence.

Greg Hrinya, Editor

ghrinya@rodmanmedia.com