Paragon acquires Horner Bros in pre-pack deal

Paragon Group UK has acquired the trade and assets of South Yorkshire-based Horner Brothers Print Group through a pre-pack administration.

Horner Brothers was placed into administration with Mazars on Monday (19 August) and sold to Paragon on the same day.

The stationery printer and marketing firm will continue to operate at its Rotherham facility with all 90 staff transferring under Tupe regulations.

In a statement given to PrintWeek, a Paragon Group spokeswoman confirmed the pre-pack deal adding: "The business is now operating as Horner Brothers - a trading division of Paragon Group UK."

Both companies declined requests for an interview, but in a general press statement, Horner Brothers managing director Judith Fox said: "We are delighted to be joining the Paragon Group.

"Not only will this mean that we are now a part of a strong and diverse business but also our customers can access a much broader range of services, securing the future of the company in the months and years to come."

Founded in 1982, Horner Brothers Print Group was bought out in an MBO led by Fox in 2006. At the time the company employed around 170 staff and generated a turnover of around £14m.

In its latest financials, recording the 12 months to September 2012, the company posted a net loss of £64,899 on a turnover of £7.8m.  

Paragon Group UK general manager Ann Harrington said the acquisition of Horner Brothers supported the strategy of the business, which was to increase its range of products and services.

In 2009 and 2010, Paragon acquired a number of print firms out of administration including Ward Knowles, Bemrose Booth and Wright Printing Services, also based in Rotheram.

Paragon Group employs 1,300 people throughout Europe, across 16 manufacturing sites, and has a turnover of around €160m (£137m).