"As far as we're concerned it's great news. We can find more synergies," said Vertis PRS chief executive Chris Clancey (pictured). "Vertis has been a great parent, but the time [to sell] is right, now that the direct mail business has gone."

Vertis Inc revealed its plan to quit the UK pre-press market which it said had "limited strategic importance" in its third-quarter results.

The sale is being managed by Vertis Europe executive chairman George Moore, who has a year to find a buyer.

All options are being considered, including a trade buyer or venture capitalist. Clancey said: "I'm sure we'll find a good home."

He said of an MBO: "I wouldn't rule it out."

Vertis PRS is the second biggest advertising pre-press house in the UK with sales of 27.3m in the year ended December 2003, just behind Tag, with sales of 28.3m.

The firm was created when Big Flower, which became Vertis, bought two London pre-press firms Admagic and Production Response (PRS) in 1998.