The new firm, Totality, is based in Leeds and has 24-staff and a 2.5m turnover, said managing director Andrew Wade, who hopes to add 1.5m within a year.

"The move offers cost savings in duplication from creative to repro," he said. "The difference between art and repro is becoming more blurred, so this made sense."

Wade and creative director Mark Cavell work with clients that include Unilever, Hallmark Cards and Morrisons supermarket chain.

According to Cavell, the merger "creates a centre of excellence for graphic communication".

Totality's two divisions have been renamed Total Production and Total Design.