Stockholm, Sweden – June 18, 2026 – A new titan has emerged in the Nordic print and communication services industry. Multiply, a recently formed Swedish conglomerate, has officially announced its ambitious plans for future acquisitions and expansive growth, setting its sights firmly beyond Sweden’s borders and across the entire Nordic region. The company, a formidable combination of industry stalwarts Åtta45, Exakta, and GBGT Box, consolidates a workforce of 460 employees and boasts operational hubs in Sweden’s three largest cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. With a combined annual turnover exceeding 1 billion Swedish Kronor, Multiply is poised to redefine the landscape of integrated communication and production solutions.
This strategic consolidation is a direct response to evolving market demands, where clients increasingly seek fewer, more comprehensive suppliers capable of managing complex communication and production flows from end to end. Under the leadership of CEO Erik Mauritzon, Multiply aims to leverage its collective expertise to offer an unparalleled, integrated service portfolio, spanning everything from initial communication strategy and production to sophisticated distribution and meticulous follow-up. This unified approach promises enhanced control, streamlined processes, and ultimately, greater efficiency for its diverse client base.
The formation of Multiply signals a significant shift in the traditionally fragmented Swedish print and production market, which has historically been dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. As the industry grapples with escalating demands for sustainability, digitalization, and precision in delivery, the trend towards consolidation is accelerating. Multiply’s strategy is not merely to grow in scale but to deepen its service offerings, moving beyond conventional print production to encompass critical areas such as logistics, advanced packaging solutions, and cutting-edge digital distribution. This forward-looking vision positions Multiply as a holistic partner for brands navigating the complexities of modern communication.
Main Facts: A New Era of Integrated Services
Multiply represents a pivotal moment in the Nordic print and communication sector, bringing together the strengths of three established players under a unified brand. The strategic merger of Åtta45, Exakta, and GBGT Box creates a market leader with significant scale and an extensive service offering.
Key Highlights of Multiply:
- Formation: A newly established Swedish group formed through the merger of Åtta45, Exakta, and GBGT Box.
- Leadership: Headed by CEO Erik Mauritzon, who brings a clear vision for integrated growth.
- Scale: Commands a workforce of approximately 460 employees.
- Geographic Footprint: Operates with major facilities and activities in Sweden’s three largest cities: Stockholm (headquarters), Gothenburg, and Malmö.
- Financial Strength: Boasts a combined annual turnover exceeding 1 billion Swedish Kronor, underscoring its robust market position.
- Strategic Vision: Aims for aggressive, sustained growth through further acquisitions, with a specific focus on expanding throughout the entire Nordic region.
- Core Offering: Consolidates specialized expertise to provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions in communication, production, distribution, and follow-up.
- Expanded Services: Beyond traditional print, Multiply is diversifying into high-demand areas such as logistics, bespoke packaging solutions, and advanced digital distribution strategies.
- Market Rationale: Addresses the growing client demand for fewer suppliers and more integrated services, driven by increasing industry requirements for sustainability, digitalization, and delivery precision.
Multiply’s emergence signifies a proactive response to the evolving needs of the modern business landscape. By unifying previously disparate capabilities, the group is engineered to deliver a cohesive and highly effective suite of services, enabling clients to manage their brand messaging and production workflows with unprecedented efficiency and control. The company’s commitment to continuous investment in production and delivery capacity further solidifies its intent to meet the escalating demands of a dynamic market.
Chronology: The Journey to Multiply
The formation of Multiply is not an overnight phenomenon but the culmination of a deliberate, strategic process involving a series of significant acquisitions and a clear vision for market consolidation. Each of the constituent companies—Åtta45, Exakta, and GBGT Box—brought its own rich history and specialized expertise to the table, paving the way for the integrated powerhouse that is Multiply.
The Genesis of the Group:
For years, the Nordic print and production market has seen a gradual shift. While many smaller, specialized players thrived, the underlying pressures of technological advancement, globalization, and increased customer expectations began to favor larger, more diversified entities. This environment set the stage for strategic consolidation.
Åtta45: A Legacy in Graphic Production:
Åtta45 has long been recognized as a leading name in graphic production within Sweden. With a history stretching back decades, the company built its reputation on high-quality print solutions, embracing new technologies and expanding its capabilities to meet diverse client needs. Its focus on efficiency, reliability, and innovative print techniques made it a cornerstone of the Swedish market. Over time, Åtta45 itself likely grew through organic expansion and targeted acquisitions of smaller print houses, steadily building its capacity and client base. Its strong presence in Stockholm and other key Swedish regions provided a robust foundation.
Exakta: The Media Production Specialist:
Exakta, another significant player, carved its niche in the broader media production landscape. While also rooted in print, Exakta often extended its services to include elements of design, prepress, and digital media, positioning itself as a more comprehensive partner for marketing and communication agencies. Its expertise in managing complex campaigns and integrating various media channels added a crucial dimension to the nascent group’s capabilities. Exakta’s growth trajectory would have mirrored the evolution of media itself, adapting to digital shifts while maintaining a strong print core.
GBGT Box: The Packaging Innovator:
The inclusion of GBGT Box is particularly insightful, highlighting the strategic direction towards holistic solutions. GBGT Box specialized in packaging solutions, a sector increasingly intertwined with product branding, logistics, and sustainability. Their expertise in creating innovative, functional, and environmentally conscious packaging brought a vital component to the group – moving beyond mere communication materials to the physical presentation and protection of goods. This acquisition underscored the understanding that print is no longer just about paper, but about the entire customer experience, including the physical product itself.
A Series of Strategic Acquisitions:
The path to Multiply involved a concerted effort to bring these distinct entities under a common ownership structure. While specific dates of individual acquisitions are not detailed in the announcement, it’s clear that the parent group methodically acquired Åtta45, Exakta, and GBGT Box over a period, likely several years. Each acquisition was strategically chosen not just for its market share, but for its complementary capabilities, geographical reach, and specialized expertise. The goal was to build a diversified portfolio that could address a wider range of client needs than any single company could on its own.
The Unification and Rebranding:
Once these companies were successfully integrated under a common ownership, the next logical step was to unify them under a single, cohesive brand identity. This rebranding from individual entities to "Multiply" signifies a deliberate shift from a collection of businesses to a unified, synergistic powerhouse. The name "Multiply" itself reflects the ambition to multiply value for customers, multiply capabilities, and multiply market reach. This rebranding is not just a cosmetic change but a declaration of a new strategic direction and a commitment to a shared vision for the future. The decision to launch Multiply in mid-2026 suggests a period of internal integration, process harmonization, and strategic planning following the acquisitions, ensuring a seamless transition and a strong market debut.
Supporting Data: Market Dynamics and Strategic Rationale
The emergence of Multiply is not an isolated event but a clear manifestation of profound shifts occurring within the print, packaging, and communication services industries, particularly across the Nordic region. Several key market dynamics underpin Multiply’s strategic rationale, driving its consolidation efforts and its expansion into new service areas.
The Nordic Print and Production Landscape: A Fragmented Market Under Pressure
The Nordic print and production market has traditionally been characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating across various specialized niches. While this fragmentation has fostered innovation and localized service, it has also presented challenges in an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced environment.
- High Number of SMEs: Historically, many family-owned businesses and highly specialized print shops have dominated the market. While agile, these smaller entities often struggle to invest in the latest technologies or offer the breadth of services that larger clients now demand.
- Intense Competition: The sheer number of players, coupled with shrinking demand for traditional print in some segments, has led to fierce price competition, impacting profit margins across the industry.
- Limited Scale for Investment: Individual SMEs often lack the capital and resources required for substantial investments in new digital presses, automation, advanced logistics infrastructure, or robust sustainability initiatives. This creates a barrier to keeping pace with industry advancements.
Evolving Customer Demands: The Call for Integrated Solutions
A fundamental driver behind Multiply’s formation is the dramatic evolution in customer expectations. Businesses today, irrespective of their size or industry, are seeking more streamlined and efficient ways to manage their communication and production needs.
- Fewer Suppliers, Greater Efficiency: Clients are increasingly expressing a desire to consolidate their supplier base. Managing multiple vendors for different aspects of a campaign—from print and packaging to digital marketing and logistics—can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to inefficiencies. A single, integrated partner reduces administrative overhead and simplifies coordination.
- End-to-End Solutions: The modern marketing and supply chain landscape requires a holistic approach. Clients want partners who can manage the entire "customer journey" or "product journey," from initial concept and design through production, distribution, and even post-campaign analysis. This includes everything from brand collateral and promotional materials to product packaging and last-mile delivery.
- Consistency and Brand Cohesion: Working with multiple suppliers can lead to inconsistencies in brand messaging, quality, and visual identity across different touchpoints. An integrated provider like Multiply ensures a unified brand experience, maintaining consistency whether it’s a printed brochure, a product package, or a digital advertisement.
The "Print-Plus" Paradigm: Beyond Traditional Ink on Paper
Multiply’s strategy acknowledges that print, while still vital, is no longer a standalone service but an integral component of a larger, interconnected communication and logistics flow. This "print-plus" paradigm is critical for future success.
- Print as Part of Omnichannel Strategy: In today’s omnichannel world, print seamlessly integrates with digital channels. A direct mail campaign might drive traffic to a website, or a QR code on packaging could link to an augmented reality experience. Multiply’s expanded services facilitate this cross-channel integration.
- Logistics as a Core Competency: For many businesses, the production of materials is only half the battle; getting them to the right place at the right time is equally critical. By incorporating advanced logistics capabilities, Multiply can offer a complete supply chain solution, from warehousing and inventory management to efficient distribution. This is particularly valuable for e-commerce and retail clients.
- Packaging as a Strategic Asset: Packaging has transcended its functional role of protection. It is now a crucial marketing tool, a brand ambassador, and a key element in the consumer experience. GBGT Box’s expertise in this area allows Multiply to offer innovative, sustainable, and visually impactful packaging solutions that resonate with brand values and consumer expectations.
- Digital Distribution Integration: While the article mentions "digital distribution," this likely refers to more than just email marketing. It could encompass digital asset management, personalized digital content delivery, web-to-print portals, and data analytics to optimize communication strategies across both physical and digital touchpoints.
Sustainability and Digitalization: Imperatives for Growth
These two overarching trends are not just buzzwords but fundamental drivers reshaping the industry and forcing companies to adapt or be left behind.
- Sustainability: Environmental responsibility is no longer optional but a business imperative. Clients demand sustainable practices throughout their supply chain, from eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient production to waste reduction and responsible logistics. Multiply’s scale allows for greater investment in green technologies and processes, giving it a competitive edge.
- Digitalization: The digital transformation impacts every facet of the industry. This includes automated workflows, data-driven personalization in print and digital communications, predictive analytics for demand forecasting, and cloud-based platforms for client collaboration. Multiply’s focus on digitalization aims to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to offer highly customized solutions.
By strategically consolidating expertise, expanding into adjacent service areas, and actively responding to these market dynamics, Multiply is positioning itself not just as a print provider, but as a comprehensive communication and production partner, well-equipped to serve the evolving needs of the Nordic business community.
Official Responses: Leadership’s Vision for an Integrated Future
At the heart of Multiply’s strategic direction is the vision articulated by its CEO, Erik Mauritzon. His statements reveal a deep understanding of market shifts and a clear roadmap for the newly formed conglomerate.
Erik Mauritzon’s Strategic Outlook: Addressing Customer Needs
Mauritzon’s core message emphasizes a customer-centric approach, directly addressing the pain points experienced by businesses navigating complex communication and production requirements. "We see that customers increasingly want to work with fewer suppliers and receive a more comprehensive offering," Mauritzon stated in a press release. This observation is the cornerstone of Multiply’s existence.
He elaborates on the solution Multiply offers: "With Multiply, we bring together our specialized expertise to strengthen and disseminate brand messages throughout the chain; from communication and production to distribution and follow-up. This provides both better control and more efficient processes in managing complex needs." This statement underscores the commitment to providing an integrated, end-to-end solution. For clients, this translates into several tangible benefits:
- Enhanced Control: A single point of contact and a unified system mean clients have greater oversight and control over their entire communication and production workflow, reducing the risk of errors and miscommunications.
- Increased Efficiency: Streamlined processes, reduced vendor management, and coordinated execution lead to significant time and cost efficiencies. This is crucial for businesses operating in fast-paced markets.
- Simplified Management: Managing complex projects becomes simpler when dealing with one comprehensive partner, freeing up client resources to focus on core business activities.
Mauritzon’s perspective highlights that Multiply is not just a merger of companies, but a merger of capabilities designed specifically to solve contemporary business challenges.
The Rationale for Integration: Unlocking Synergies
The CEO further explains the profound shift in the industry’s perception of print. "Print is today part of a larger flow. With Multiply, we gather expertise that has previously been separated to create a more comprehensive delivery to customers," Mauritzon confirmed. This statement is critical, as it articulates the philosophical shift from viewing print as a standalone service to an integral component within a broader ecosystem.
The integration of Åtta45’s graphic production prowess, Exakta’s media production expertise, and GBGT Box’s specialized packaging solutions creates powerful synergies:
- Holistic Brand Messaging: By combining these areas, Multiply can ensure brand messaging is consistent and impactful across all physical touchpoints, from marketing collateral to product packaging.
- Seamless Workflow: The integration allows for a seamless flow of information and materials between different stages of production and distribution, eliminating bottlenecks and improving turnaround times.
- Innovation Through Collaboration: Bringing diverse experts under one roof fosters collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, leading to innovative solutions in areas like sustainable packaging, personalized print, and integrated logistics.
Multiply’s strategy emphasizes strengthening the breadth of its offerings through future acquisitions, rather than merely focusing on individual product areas. This signifies a commitment to building a truly comprehensive platform that can adapt to evolving client needs and market trends.
Investment in the Future: Capacity and Capability
Beyond acquisitions, Multiply is also committing substantial investments in its production and delivery capacity. This forward-looking approach is designed to:
- Meet Growing Volumes: As client demands increase and Multiply expands its market share, robust and scalable production facilities are essential to handle higher volumes without compromising quality or delivery times.
- Adapt to Changing Customer Choices: Investment in flexible technologies and diverse capabilities allows Multiply to cater to a wider array of customer preferences, including specialized finishes, variable data printing, and bespoke packaging formats.
- Drive Innovation: Continuous investment in state-of-the-art machinery and digital infrastructure is vital for staying at the forefront of technological advancements in print, logistics, and digital communication.
Mauritzon’s vision paints a picture of a proactive, responsive, and forward-thinking organization. Multiply is not content with merely consolidating existing businesses; it aims to innovate, expand, and set new benchmarks for integrated communication and production services across the entire Nordic region.
Implications: Future Outlook and Industry Impact
The formation of Multiply and its aggressive growth strategy carry significant implications for the Nordic print, packaging, and communication services industry, impacting competitors, customers, and the broader market landscape.
Impact on the Nordic Market: Reshaping the Competitive Landscape
Multiply’s emergence as a major player with a comprehensive offering is likely to send ripples through the Nordic market.
- Increased Consolidation: Multiply’s strategy of growth through acquisition will likely spur further consolidation within the region. Smaller players may find it increasingly difficult to compete with a large, integrated entity offering end-to-end solutions. This could lead to more mergers, acquisitions, or even some smaller firms exiting the market.
- Pressure on Competitors: Existing medium to large-sized print and communication companies in the Nordics will face intensified competition. They may be forced to re-evaluate their own strategies, consider expanding their service portfolios, or seek strategic alliances to remain competitive against Multiply’s scale and integrated approach.
- Elevated Service Standards: Multiply’s focus on efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization will likely raise the bar for service expectations across the industry. Competitors will need to invest more in these areas to keep pace, ultimately benefiting customers with higher quality and more innovative solutions.
- Cross-Border Expansion: By explicitly targeting the entire Nordic region as its next natural growth market, Multiply is signaling its intent to become a truly pan-Nordic powerhouse. This will introduce a new level of competition in countries like Denmark, Norway, and Finland, challenging local incumbents.
Opportunities for Customers: A Streamlined Partnership
For businesses seeking communication and production services, Multiply presents compelling opportunities.
- Simplified Vendor Management: The ability to source a wide range of services—from graphic production and packaging to logistics and digital distribution—from a single provider significantly simplifies procurement and vendor relationship management.
- Enhanced Project Coordination: Clients can expect more cohesive and better-coordinated campaigns, as all elements are managed under one roof, reducing communication breakdowns and ensuring consistent brand messaging across all touchpoints.
- Access to Integrated Expertise: Multiply’s combined specialized knowledge means clients can tap into a deeper pool of expertise across various disciplines, leading to more innovative and effective solutions for their communication and product needs.
- Focus on Core Business: By offloading complex production and logistics challenges to Multiply, clients can free up internal resources to concentrate on their core business strategies and innovation.
- Sustainability and Digitalization Benefits: Clients will indirectly benefit from Multiply’s investments in sustainable practices and advanced digital solutions, helping them meet their own corporate responsibility goals and leverage cutting-edge technology.
Challenges and Opportunities for Multiply: Navigating Growth
While the outlook is promising, Multiply will undoubtedly face its own set of challenges and opportunities as it executes its ambitious strategy.
- Integration Challenges: Merging three distinct corporate cultures, operational systems, and client bases requires meticulous planning and execution. Ensuring seamless integration, maintaining employee morale, and harmonizing processes will be crucial for long-term success.
- Market Penetration in New Territories: Expanding into new Nordic countries will require understanding local market nuances, regulatory environments, and establishing strong local presence and client relationships. This demands significant investment and strategic acumen.
- Maintaining Innovation: As a large entity, Multiply must avoid complacency and continuously foster a culture of innovation to stay ahead of rapidly evolving technological trends and customer demands.
- Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining top talent across diverse specializations (print, logistics, digital, packaging) will be vital for sustaining growth and delivering high-quality services.
- Competitive Response: Multiply must be prepared for strong competitive responses from existing market players who will undoubtedly adapt their strategies to counter the new threat.
Broader Industry Trends: A Global Context
Multiply’s formation is reflective of a global trend towards consolidation and diversification in the print and marketing services industry. Across Europe and North America, similar mergers and acquisitions are occurring as companies seek scale, efficiency, and expanded capabilities to offer more integrated marketing solutions. The shift from print vendor to a comprehensive "marketing services provider" or "communication partner" is a well-established trend, and Multiply is positioning itself firmly within this evolving paradigm. Its success will serve as a bellwether for the future direction of the Nordic market and potentially influence similar strategic moves by other regional players.
In conclusion, Multiply’s launch marks a transformative moment for the Nordic print and communication sector. By strategically consolidating expertise, expanding service offerings, and committing to aggressive regional growth, the group is poised to become a dominant force, setting new standards for integrated solutions and fundamentally reshaping how businesses approach their communication and production needs in the digital age. The journey ahead for Multiply will be one of significant opportunity and strategic navigation as it endeavors to fulfill its vision of Nordic dominance.
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