NEW YORK -- In a $1.7 billion deal, M &F Worldwide Corp., a diverse global company into everything from candy making to paper checks, has acquired John H. Harland Company.
Harland is now a subsidiary of Clarke American, an existing subsidiary of M&F. Harland and Clarke American have competed for years, mainly on checks, but also other products. The new unit will be called Harland Clarke, and will combine Clarke American's check printing, contact center services, and direct marketing with Harland's related businesses. Chuck Dawson, Clarke American's current president/CEO, will lead Harland Clarke.
John O'Malley will continue as president/CEO of Harland Financial Solutions, where Harland's Ultradata core processing system and other familiar products are offered. Harland's Scantron unit will be led by Jeff Heggedahl, its new CEO.
