Printoff managing director Alan Buck and Image Works managing director Trevor Hind will head up the group as a straight 50-50 partnership.

The firms, both based in Nelson, East Lancashire, had been informally discussing collaboration for the last five years.

The combined workforce, including Printoffs Manchester-based repro facility, Kreativ Colour, and its London sales office, totals more than 100 and, according to Buck, no jobs will be threatened. When you look at the synergies between the companies there are few overlaps of jobs. In fact, we are increasing employment with more designers and binders being taken on.

He added that it wasnt a move either company was forced into and that the combination was a case of two plus two equals five.

Once integration is complete, the companies will look at moving under one roof within 18 months.

Story by Rachel Barnes