Its a further step in establishing and consolidating our position as number one in the UK, said Shuttleworth joint managing director Paul Deane. If you want to be number one you need to have labels and flexo.

It paid an undisclosed sum for the Ipswich-based firm, which has eight staff, all of which remain. Compass managing director Graham Shaw has become a consultant to Shuttleworth.

The acquisition, which adds an undisclosed number of customers, takes Shuttleworths user base to over 500. It follows its acquisition of Jenem at the end of 2002.

Although it will support the Compass product for at least three years, Shuttleworth will focus product development on its own software. It promises significant developments at the MIS show and at Drupa.

Story by Barney Cox