Innovative Output Solutions (IOS), a UK-based subsidiary of DST Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Lateral Group Limited ("Lateral Group").

Lateral Group is a UK company with operational facilities located principally in London, Nottingham and Edenbridge, and is engaged in integrated, data driven, multi-channel marketing. Lateral Group is a private company and the terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

IOS is one of the largest direct communications manufacturers within its sector in the UK. It is also one of Europe’s largest variable colour digital printers, specialising in innovative one-to-one communication solutions for various sectors including financial services, retail, utilities, travel, charities and local government.

The addition of Lateral Group is viewed as a complementary fit with existing IOS operations both in terms of services offered and business outlook.

“This is an excellent strategic development for IOS,” commented IOS chief executive Mark Felstead. “Lateral Group has a strong presence in the industry and we are pleased to be able to provide further solutions such as data insight and online marketing to our client base through this acquisition.”

Commented Nick Dixon, the principal founder of the Lateral Group: “We have found a great home for the business, and I am absolutely confident that it will go from strength to strength. We look forward to taking advantage of new technologies and resources through this transaction and achieving further scale as a marketing services provider.”

Said Felstead: “This move represents the execution of IOS’s strategy to extend and develop our product offering - particularly integrating communications through print, data and e-solutions - as well as helping to ensure that we continue to develop a market-leading position in our traditional services. At a time when there is much structural change taking place in the industry, it is important for IOS to lead the market. This acquisition helps us to achieve that. We are now in an even stronger position to support larger contracts across the entire spectrum of output solutions in the UK.”