Folded signatures are delivered to a paddle wheel and then are transported to a plurality of distribution points by a gripper chain with a plurality of grippers. A controllable switching unit is provided at each distribution point in the form of a rotatable cam disk with switching cams. The rotatable cam disk at each distribution point is caused to rotate by an individual motor at a controlled speed and time. The speed of rotation of each cam disk can be greater than the speed of travel of the gripper chain so that the point of release of each signature can be accurately controlled.