Venture capitalist Alchemy Partners, the company that tried unsuccessfully to take over the Rover Group last year, has emerged as a potential purchaser of troubled graphics group Photobition.

It is not clear what value Alchemy has placed on Photobition, but the companys shares currently stand at 8p, which values the group at around 7.5m, with debts thought to be over 100m.

"The fact that Alchemy has emerged on the scene is simply indicative of the fact that negotiations have been going on for some time," said a spokesman for the Photobition Forum Action Group.

A spokeswoman for Photobition said the company was "not in a position to comment at present", but added: "When we are at liberty to issue a statement, we will."

The Forum Action Group spokesman said he felt the thoughts of shareholders were not being considered anymore.

"Once again it is the loyal employees who have invested in the company who get kicked in the teeth. It is clear that the City is not interested in the plight of the Photobition shareholders, he added."

The Photobition Forum Action Group said it would press on with its campaign despite Alchemy stepping into the fray.

Although PrintWeek made repeated calls to Alchemys London office, no one was available for comment.

Story by Andy Scott