News

Sainsbury’s is on the verge of launching its first major print tender since 2005, as the multi-million pound contract held by Communisis for almost a decade goes back up for grabs.

The supermarket giant is expected to send out Invitations to Tender (ITT) to a number of print management companies this week, all of whom will be keen to poach what is understood to be a £20m a year contract.

The tender process, which is likely to last for at least six months, is rumoured to be being co-managed by former Charterhouse managing director Mike Newman. Newman could not be reached for comment.

The contract, which in­cludes point-of-sale material for almost 800 stores, as well as direct mail including club mailings, national leaflet drops and trigger and welcome packs, was first awarded to Centurion in 1999.

Sainsbury’s and Commu­nisis were unable to com­ment as PrintWeek went to press.

However, one industry source suggested that Com­munisis would face stiff competition to secure its third consecutive extension.

The source said: “There could well be merit in dual or even triple-sourcing the service. There are very few economies of scale from putting all your eggs in one basket and with a rapidly changing market having a variety of suppliers, who all know you, could be the safest option.”