World Color had pursued major expansions in 1996 and 1997, purchasing Ringier America and Rand McNally's Book Services Group.)

Quebecor entered a difficult period in the early 2000s as the market has gradually shifted focus to digital media.

In response, the company's Board of Directors named Wes Lucas President and CEO, replacing Pierre Karl Péladeau, and announced a reorganization of its American book and magazine platforms, closing plants in Kingsport, TN, Phoenix, Arizona, and Brookfield, WI.

Quebecor World (USA) Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 21, 2008 at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, as well as for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangements Act at the Superior Court of Québec at Montreal.

[4] In May 2009, Chicago-based printer RR Donnelley tendered an unsolicited bid to purchase Quebecor World,[5] which was rejected as the company emerged from creditor protection in July (having changed its name back to "Worldcolor Press").