The deal is also understood to include the acquisition of a German software development company.

Httprint europe marketing director Tim Smith declined to comment as PrintWeek went to press.

But reports have suggested that the funding would give httprint access to many of Bertelsmanns divisions, which include book, magazine and music publishing interests.

The exact amounts to be provided by both funders are as yet unclear.

The funding would strengthen httprints position as one of the few thriving survivors from the print dotcom era, which it has achieved by targeting corporations that are among the largest print spenders.

Httprints current customers include Williams Lea, the print outsourcing group, and DIRECTV.

Httprint has also announced a new partnership with Ariba, which will see the firms create complementary extensions between httprints e-procurement software and Aribas Enterprise Spend Management system.

Smith said the partnership had originally come about after an unnamed UK-based Ariba customer asked httprint to integrate its software into an existing system. "The announcement formalises that relationship," he added.

He said the partnership would allow Ariba customers to handle more sophisticated and detailed marketing and bespoke print online through httprints systems.

In February httprint had an introduction to Aribas customer base when it presented its products and services to 40 Ariba users at the Archway Consulting conference.

Smith said the partnership represented "another sales and distribution channel" for httprint.

Story by Gordon Carson