Littlewoods has started a review of print division JCM Media, formerly J&C Moores, which could take up to five months.


In a statement, Little-woods said it was investigating options including "retention, relocation within Merseyside, the full or partial sale of the business or partnership with another operation".


The 350-employee plant produces pools cards for Sportech, formally Little-woods Leisure, as well as direct mail for Littlewoods, Barclays, Rank and Scottish Power.


JCM Media managing director Steve Ward said: "Our strategy to develop sophisticated new data technology to a wide range of clients will maximise our potential for growth. The strategic review will help us to achieve this goal."


JCM Media consists of two separate limited companies: JCM Media Ltd and J&C Moores Direct Ltd.


Last year JCM Media Ltd recorded a pre-tax loss of 2.35m on a turnover of 17.22m. The combined turnover of the two companies was 21.1m with a pre-tax loss of 0.1m.


The company has informed its employees, as well as union representatives, of the review.


As PrintWeek went to press no one from the GPMUs Merseyside, Central Lancashire and North Wales branch was available for comment.


A spokeswoman for Littlewoods admitted that the companys fortunes had been adversely affected by the National Lottery.


Story by John Davies