MISSISSAUGA, ON—Safeguard Business Systems, a U.S.-based business services company, has converted printing brokerage Clarkson Graphic Services to its network of distributors.

"We're thrilled to add Clarkson Graphic Service to the Safeguard name," said Kevin Derella, Safeguard executive director of franchise development, in a release. "This conversion will allow us to serve a much larger demographic in Canada, as well as enable us to offer high-quality printing and promotional service to businesses in Ontario," he said.

"I didn't want there to be any type of service I couldn't provide to my customers," said Daniel Piitz, Clarkson Graphic owner. The company remains independently owned and operated by Piitz, who founded it in 2005, but its name will transition to "Safeguard by Clarkson Graphic Services."

As part of the Safeguard team, Clarkson Graphic will now offer the company's full line of cheques and business forms, full colour printing for business letterhead, stationery, brochures and other promo items.

According to Safeguard, the conversion is part of its "aggressive expansion" plans in Canada, where it already has around 50 distributors. Companies join Safeguard through conversion, or via acquisition where a purchased business is then re-sold to an existing Safeguard distributor.

Launched 57 years ago, Safeguard started as a small outfit specializing in cheque printing. Through its network, it provides a range of products and services for business owners looking to grow.