MEA acquires Happy Moose to combine scale & handcrafted prints
MEA has announced the acquisition of premium photo print studio Happy Moose as it seeks to combine global photo printing scale with handcrafted quality for customers internationally.
MEA is known for providing photo software used by major global retailers such as CVS and Walgreens, as well as supporting more than 21,000 photo labs worldwide. The addition of Happy Moose brings advanced techniques for handcrafted printing into MEA's platform, pairing high-volume production with bespoke printmaking expertise.
Expansion strategy
The company aims to leverage Happy Moose's reputation for quality and MEA's technological infrastructure to serve premium photo products at a larger scale, targeting markets including the USA and Australia for future growth.
Happy Moose, which has established itself within New Zealand for its focus on product quality and attention to detail, will continue to operate from its existing studio in Dunedin. Popular products such as collage posters and photo books will remain available, with select Happy Moose products planned to launch in new territories via the MEA platform over time.
Focus on quality and technology
"We're pairing powerful technology with premium printmaking," stated Rod Macfarlane, Executive Director at MEA, "MEA's technology underpins one of the world's largest photo printing networks, and Happy Moose is New Zealand's best photo lab. Together we can create premium print experiences at a scale the industry hasn't seen before."
MEA customers will now benefit from an expanded selection of high-quality photo products, drawing on Happy Moose's experience with archival-quality papers and colour reproduction. MEA will integrate the Happy Moose catalogue into its software, offering customers both the convenience of its eCommerce solutions and the meticulous attention that characterises Happy Moose's handcrafted production.
Continuity for existing customers
There are no immediate changes planned for existing Happy Moose customers. The studio will continue fulfilling orders independently while the process of integrating its catalogue and products with MEA's platform takes place.
The companies outlined that this approach will allow MEA to offer a unique combination of hand-finished products and international convenience, competing with businesses such as Shutterfly and Snapfish, as well as more traditional photo labs.
"Monty the Moose is triple-checking customers' orders," added Macfarlane. "He's a bit of a perfectionist."
MEA's portfolio and ambitions
The acquisition builds on MEA's history working with print-on-demand photo services, including Printicular and Photo Prints Now, which have made it accessible for millions to order prints and personalised photo products for pick up or delivery through a simple interface connected to retailers and Labs globally.
With the addition of Happy Moose, MEA will also be capable of serving customers seeking more premium, handcrafted options, alongside its faster, high-volume services. The partnership is intended to elevate the standard of photo printing available to consumers and businesses around the world.
MEA operates with teams in both Connecticut, USA and Hamilton, New Zealand, reflecting its dual presence and global approach to photo printing software solutions. Happy Moose remains firmly rooted in its New Zealand studio, continuing its focus on meticulous production standards and unique brand character.