Shares in digital book printer and publisher Stratus Holdings have been suspended after below-par sales and delays associated with its move to new premises in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.


The firm, which floated 16 months ago, was hampered by a five-month delay before it was able to move into its purpose-built Thirsk plant in March.


In a statement the company said: "Sales in the first half of the year have been significantly below management expectations, and as a consequence, the companys working capital position has deteriorated."


Financial director Mike Foster said: "We had to suspend trading in our shares as we felt it represented a false market. We need to raise more capital to take the company forward."


He added: "Were considering a number of re-financing options at the moment, and will announce any developments when they happen."


Foster said the firm had originally occupied two starter units on Thirsk Industrial Park, with an undertaking to move into a purpose-built factory, which was delayed.


However, he said the firms delayed move had not been the primary reason behind its poor performance.


Stratus Holdings raised 5m when it went public in March last year, and received a further 2.5m in a share placement a year later. Its shares, which peaked at 127p, were suspended at 7p.


The company operates an IBM Infoprint 4000 and two IBM Infoprint Color 100s. Stratus Holdings has rights to publish the works of Robert Graves, HG Wells and Joan Collins.


Story by John Davies