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Harman Technology, the photographic papers manufacturer, has broadened its stable of inkjet products after acquiring rival Kentmere Photographic for an undisclosed sum.

Cheshire-based Harman will continue to sell the Cumbrian firm's range, including the popular Opaljet substrate, under the Kentmere Photographic banner. The firm joins monochrome media firm Ilford Photo and inkjet specialist Harman Photo under the Harman Technology umbrella.

A Harman spokesman told printweek.com: "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

He added that Kentmere's parent company was keen to pursue its more profitable Kentmere Packaging business while Harman wanted to continue its "aggressive growth policy".

Phil Harris, managing director of 380-staff Harman, said: "We have bought Kentmere recognising it is a strong brand with a massive amount of potential and knowing we can add what's required to help bring that to fruition. It will extend our product portfolio and allow us to target an even wider range of the market."

The firm stressed that "the Kentmere brand will remain relatively unchanged". The spokesman said: "If it's not broken, why fix it?"