The 30-staff firm in Camberwell, London trades under the names Octopus Digital, POS Promotions and Whitewater Graphics.
"Prince has a fantastic history in direct marketing and is very entrepreneurial," said Peter Petyt, a director at UHY Hacker Young, the accountant advising him.

"He wanted to buy a vehicle but not from scratch. An old set-up with new levels of energy and investment could move forward."

Prince, who quit Vertis a few months ago, leads a newly formed holding company called Arcnor. Details of the purchase and investors were not revealed.

Prince said: "This business has built up an excellent reputation over 30 years and with new ideas and equipment can become a big force in marketing."