The group will supply Xerox's digital products into the graphic arts sector in a deal that Xerox has said is a first in the distribution of document supplies into Europe.

Aims is a group of independent paper merchants that supplies the commercial print, stationery and other paper sectors through its distribution network.

"The appointment of Aims gives us the platform to penetrate the graphic arts sector," said Xerox national indirect channel manager Dominic Close.

Aims purchasing director Martin Randall said the deal was by far the most exciting for Aims to date.

"Xerox has the largest portfolio of digital paper and speciality media available under one brand."

The range includes a wide array of graphical arts substrates, such as Colotech gloss and silk, and also specialist products, such as transparencies, self-adhesive film, laser cartridges and wide format material.

Randall said that with the withdrawal of Carrs Products Ximage range from the digital market, there were opportunities to boost sales of Xerox's digital carbonless paper.

The Aims Group offers a national distribution service with 11 locations in the UK. Its group members' combined turnover is just over 85m.