The new group will have annual revenues of more than 4.7bn and employ around 50,000 staff. It will retain the RR Donnelley name and will produce everything from magazines, telephone directories, books, catalogues, inserts and financial documents to personalised direct mail.

On closure of the deal, Moore Wallace chief executive Mark Angelson will become chief executive of the new RR Donnelley, replacing William Davis, who said in July that he would retire when a successor was found.

RR Donnelley, which will continue to be based in Chicago, will also take on 540m of Moore Wallaces debt.