Antalis has agreed to purchase two German paper merchants - Bechtold, based in Koln, and Humpert in Berlin.


"Germany is one of the biggest merchanting markets and these acquisitions will enable us to cover most of it," said Antalis chief executive Thomas Bittner.


He said the firm planned "no further acquisitions", but was "always on the lookout for opportunities".


Both merchants are part of the VMP Group, a four-strong association of medium-sized merchants.


Bittner said that following the European sectorising of Antalis into five core areas more companies would follow its stance.


"It has been a huge challenge, but one we have been chewing on for a long time.


"What we have established now is one network. In time, you will see all our competitors move down this route," said Bittner.


Bittner admitted the market was "not as flamboyant as it had been".


"I would prefer it to be as it was six months ago, but the outlook is good for next year," he said.


Story by Andy Scott