Transcon might be interested in the right pieces of Quebecor World

Transcontinental Inc. might be interested in parts of troubled Quebecor World, but only if it fits with the company's "niche" strategy. CEO Luc Desjardins told The Canadian Press that the company is always interested in opportunity, but while it wants to continue to grow, it plans to focus on very specific niches that have proven successful. These include direct marketing, digital media and outsourced printing of U.S. newspapers.

"We always look at evaluating all opportunities in North America, but only opportunities that enhance our niche strategy," CEO Luc Desjardins said in a conference call to discuss fourth-quarter and 2007 results.

"We don't look at becoming the largest printer but the best in our niches."

"If there are assets that become in these areas, it's something that we would look at, regardless of the owner," CFO Benoit Huard said.

Transcontinental reported Tuesday a 24 per cent drop in quarterly earnings, pulled down by the strong Canadian dollar. The company earned $38.6 million, 46 cents per share, in its fourth quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with year-ago net income of $51.1 million, 59 cents per share.