U.S. Business Holdings Inc., an affiliate of MBE Worldwide and parent company of Lakewood, CO-based AlphaGraphics (asi/37300), has acquired Australian software company Print Speak. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Both companies will continue to operate under their own names.

Print Speak, which offers business intelligence, customer management and marketing automation services, is a natural complement to AlphaGraphics, a network of more than 250 locally owned and operated printers and promotional products sellers, executives said. 

The acquisition will help AlphaGraphics and its parent company expand further into customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation, according to Ryan Farris, president and chief operating officer of AlphaGraphics. Print and marketing clients will benefit from shared plans to meet increasing demand for timely customer communications across all media, according to the companies.

“The additional capabilities strengthen and extend the services offered by both AlphaGraphics and MBE to enhance our complete, customer-centric sales and marketing approach,” Farris said.

Richard Baker, general manager of Print Speak, was also enthusiastic about the deal. “The acquisition of Print Speak provides a crucial expansion opportunity and extended services for AlphaGraphics, Print Speak and our clients,” he said. “With the stability and ultimate backing of one of the world’s leading franchisors, MBE, Print Speak customers will benefit from improved products, services and innovation.”