One of the largest printing services companies in the European Union, Schott Gruppe AG, based in Freudenstadt, Germany reported on Jan. 11 that the disposal of its direct marketing division significantly improved its bottom line.

Discontinuation of direct marketing operations resulted in the equivalent of a $21.8 million gain, compared to the equivalent of an $8.8 million loss last year, according to the firm.

Disposal of its direct marketing unit will allow the company to pay shareholders a dividend, as a result of reduced debt and a strengthened balance sheet, according to a company statement.