The firm, based in Wokingham, Berkshire, snapped up 15-staff Southern X in Southampton, Hampshire, to form a one-stop-shop for wide-format and production kit with joint sales of over 11m.

"We have double-digit sales growth and the acquisition of Southern X is a natural progression of this success," said Xeretec Group director Steve Hawkins (pictured).

"The two businesses are highly complementary in geographic and product portfolio terms. Our size allows us to invest more heavily in markets like graphic arts and customised solutions."

Hawkins added: "We are also embarking on a recruitment drive to attract extra staff to support this expansion."

Richard Grist, founder and managing director of Southern X, said no jobs would be lost and his company would keep its name and HQ for the foreseeable future.

"We are strong on wide-format kit, and Xeretec on Xerox digital production and graphic arts machines," Grist added. "We do copier printers up to DocuColor 250 size. Anything bigger, such as the 8000 series, is their domain.

"I've done this for nine years, was looking for an out, and this was a good fit," added Grist, who will stay in his post for two years to ensure a smooth transition.

"It was a mutual decision. Xeretec are good people, and I can pass on the baton guilt-free, knowing my staff have good jobs."