The agreement will allow Nine to offer its largest catalogue clients repro cost savings of up to 70%.

"This partnership brings to bear the global economy in catalogue production," said Nine managing director Gary Spriggs.

Prior to the deal, the two firms had worked together on several projects, including the Seton tools and fixings catalogue (pictured), on an ad-hoc basis, primarily for photo-retouching and cut-outs.

The cross-selling agreement, which was formalised earlier this month, will lead to Nine extending the partnership to off-shored page make-up on larger pagination catalogues.

"Clearly, the twin offshore advantages of price and capacity work in our clients' favour, and we're looking forward to offering this combination of benefits," added Spriggs.

Both firms will promote each other's services.

"Now when clients approach, either of us can have the option of off-shoring production, but managed by Nine Creative in the UK,"  said Express KCS chief executive Robert Berkeley.

"Their vast experience of all aspects of commercial design blends perfectly with our highly tuned production facilities in Delhi."

The announcement follows Marine industry publisher Riviera Maritime Media signing up to KCS services.

Milton Keynes-based Nine was formed in 2005. It's client list includes outdoor pursuits retailers Blacks and Millets. It employs 10 staff and recently moved to a new 600sqm base, which includes a 400sqm digital photography studio with two full-time photographers.