It was one of the pioneers of the 1980s desktop publishing revolution, and the company we ‘loved to hate’: Now Quark has been bought by mergers and acquisitions specialist Platinum Equity for an undisclosed sum.

Platinum partner Brian Wall says the “legendary brand” is now helping organisations transform how they publish content to print and digital media: “Quark is committed to its loyal and dedicated user base and we are enthusiastic about the company’s new products which are gaining traction and generating positive reviews,” he says.

“We believe that with their expertise and innovative software, Quark has the potential to revolutionize publishing again.”

Based in Denver, Colorado, Quark develops software for creative professionals and the publishing market, and is involved in content delivery across a variety of media including print, email, web, social media, e-readers, tablets, and mobile devices. President and chief executive Ray Schiavone says the transition comes at an exciting time for the company.

“In the past few years we have made great strides in helping our customers realize dynamic publishing, have re-invigorated QuarkXPress, and have readied Quark to take an early leadership position in digital publishing,” he says. “Platinum Equity is well-positioned to help us continue to execute our dynamic publishing vision through their market reach, merger and acquisition experience, and operational support.

“This is the natural next step for Quark’s evolution.”

Wall says Platinum is working to focus on Quark’s core markets and create an acquisition strategy focused on expanding the breadth and depth of its product capabilities and geographic coverage.

Peter Coleman