The sites, which specialise in commercial printing, packaging, fulfilment and pre-media, were bought by the Matlet Group, established by Gary Stiffler, former Quebecor World commercial group executive vice-president.

"This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity that will restore local ownership to these facilities," said Stiffler.

This latest sell-off by the Canadian printing giant comes two weeks after the firm sold six Canadian operations to another MBO team, Graficom, in a 26m deal.

With sales of over 78m, Matlet will include the Acme Printing company, Central Florida Press, Packaging Graphics, Nova Marketing Services and Premedia Services, and will employ over 600 staff.

The group produces catalogues, magazines, inserts, blister cards, folding carton packaging and annual reports.