Rheinische Post and VRM to Combine Pre-Press Operations

Rheinische Post Mediengruppe (RPM) and VRM GmbH & Co. KG have announced plans to merge their pre-press activities into a new joint venture. The venture, to be named Services for Media GmbH (SfM) and headquartered in Düsseldorf, awaits approval from competition authorities before its planned launch on January 1, 2027.

RPM will hold a majority stake in SfM. The consolidation will integrate RPM's Pre-Press Services GmbH, typoserv GmbH, and Services for Publisher GmbH, alongside VRM's publishing production division. All current operational sites will remain, and all employees will be integrated into the new company. Udo Merz from RPM and Oliver Wolters from VRM will lead the management team.

This strategic move aims to strengthen the publishers' positions in a consolidating market for pre-press services. The companies state the merger will ensure production stability, maintain secure supply chains, and expand their existing customer base. The new company will employ over 150 staff, handling print and digital product preparation for more than a dozen publishers.

The publishers expect the combined entity to provide a stable, sustainable production service, foster growth, and offer comprehensive solutions to new clients. The goal is to create a future-proof platform focused on quality, efficiency, and reliability in the pre-press sector.