Irvine’s Universal Reprographics South Sold; Firm to Retain Name

Universal Reprographics South Inc., a family-owned Irvine printing and graphics company, said Monday that it has been acquired by rival American Reprographics Co. for an undisclosed amount of cash.

A spokesman for American said the company would not lay off any of Universal’s 120 workers at offices in Irvine, Costa Mesa and Orange. Family members, however, are leaving.

Universal will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and keep its name, said David Stickney, American’s director of marketing. Universal “helps us fill out our competitive presence in a strong, growing market,” he said.

Chuck Hayes will become Universal’s president, replacing Barry Gerson, who is retiring. Gerson’s wife, Glenda, a vice president, and their daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and J. Gary Moylan, also are departing. Kathy Moylan was president of sales and marketing, and her husband was vice president of operations.

The Gersons, both in their 60s, wanted to leave the business and were satisfied with the deal, their daughter said.

Universal had about $6 million in sales last year with about 1,500 customers, including Mitsubishi and Toshiba. American, based in Glendale, had about $420 million in revenue.