News

Ink firm ICE has merged with the UK sales operation of Belgian UV ink specialist Arets Graphics to create a consumables group with sales of around £6m.

In a deal signed on Tuesday, ICE Arets UK has been for­med after Arets’ Belgian parent company bought a stake in ICE, which in turn ac­­quired Arets Graphics (UK).

ICE joint managing directors Nick Frost and John Allanson will remain at the head of the new company.Arets’ UK headquarters in Leicester will become the head office for the expanded group, which will also include ICE’s three existing locations in east London, Leeds and Essex.

Frost said We are a young company founded by experienced ink people. The combination of Arets’ UV products and ICE’s conventional inks and pressroom chemicals means we will offer a full range of consumables and a real market alternative.

He added that the company planned further expansion and would now look at the possibility of opening premises in the North East.

The group will employ around 25 staff across its four sites.