- CAI Software and Print ePS merged on Oct. 8, 2025 in a STG-backed merger of equals, with ePS’s Packaging unit spun out as independent.
- The combined company operates three divisions—Process Manufacturing, Discrete Manufacturing, and Graphic Communications—with Print ePS forming the Graphic Communications unit under the CAI name.
- Brent Pietrzak was appointed CEO and Cort Townsend CFO, replacing prior leaders.
- CAI plans to invest in the expanded portfolio and support while keeping Print ePS brands such as Avanti, Tharstern, Pace, and PrintSmith Visions.
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The CAI Software–Print ePS merger marks a strategic consolidation under private equity stewardship (STG), aligning complementary strengths across verticals. CAI’s specialization in ERP and production solutions for process and discrete manufacturing is now broadened with Print ePS’s deep expertise in graphic communications: printers, publishers and display manufacturers. This structural three-division model—Process, Discrete, Graphic Communications—allows explicit vertical focus while maintaining overall scale.
One significant implication is product and brand integration. Though Print ePS is now CAI’s Graphic Communications unit, several existing brands—such as Avanti Systems, EPMS, Tharstern, Nubian, Pace, Monarch, PrintSmith Visions, Technique—remain in place within that division. This suggests a multi-brand strategy rather than a full consolidation under one name immediately, likely to preserve customer loyalty, niche capabilities, and domain-specific offerings.
From a leadership perspective, installation of external executive Pietrzak (formerly COO at Flexera) as CEO and Townsend as CFO signals a drive for operational rigor, financial discipline, and possibly leveraging experience from high-growth tech/SaaS environments. Departures include Print ePS CEO Dan Vertachnik and CAI’s previous leadership (including Brian Rigney), paving way for fresh management suited to scaling.
Financial terms were not disclosed publicly (no purchase price or ownership split), but this is characterized as a merger of equals under STG’s lead investment. STG continues supporting the combined entity. The packaging business of ePS is carved out to operate independently, perhaps reflecting distinct market dynamics or valuation considerations.
Strategic implications include greater scale to compete in the fragmented ERP/MIS market in specialized manufacturing; enhanced R&D and innovation especially in digital workflow, AI, cloud deployments; cross-selling opportunities across verticals; and dimension to offer end-to-end solutions for clients operating in multiple sub-sectors (e.g., companies doing both print and packaging). However, integration risks remain: aligning product roadmaps and support across brands, consolidating systems and platforms, managing cultural convergence, and retaining existing customers during transition.
Open questions include: What is the valuation or financial structure of the merger (equity split, debt assumptions)? How will the packaging division as an independent company capitalize—will STG remain investor or will there be further spin-offs? What is the roadmap for product consolidation across overlapping functionalities across CAI’s divisions? And how will STG prioritize R&D investment vs. cost synergies?
Supporting Notes
- Merger was announced October 8, 2025 and described as a “merger of equals” between CAI Software and Print ePS (division of eProductivity Software).
- Print ePS becomes the Graphic Communications business unit of CAI; ePS’s Packaging division becomes independent.
- New operating divisions under CAI are Process Manufacturing, Discrete Manufacturing, and Graphic Communications.
- Newly appointed leadership: Brent Pietrzak as CEO; Cort Townsend as CFO.
- STG (Symphony Technology Group), lead investor in both CAI and ePS, continues investment in the merged entity.
- Combined workforce is over 800 employees with offices across North America, Europe and Asia.
- Existing brands under Print ePS—such as Avanti Systems, EPMS, Tharstern, Nubian, Pace, Monarch, PrintSmith Visions and Technique—will be retained under Graphic Communications division.
- Leadership departures: Brian Rigney and Dan Vertachnik acknowledged for their roles over past three and a half years.
- No purchase price or specific financial terms disclosed in the sources.