The two companies were set up nearly five years ago by Sean Billington, the former print production manager at the old Cavendish Press, and are based in Leicester.

Prepackit offers a range of contract packing and assembly services from its 1,860sqm logistics hub.

Cavendish Press offers a range of print finishing services including lamination, special finishes, binding and collation.

Marketing services and print management specialist 25/8 was established in March 2021 and made its first acquisition later the same year.

Chairman Steve Smith said the latest buys were a perfect fit.

“We’ve been using Prepackit for a number of years and Sean and his team are very good at what they do. We’ve always wanted our own logistics hub, it’s been on our list of things we’d like to acquire.

“We can move all our logistics into Prepackit and there are cross-selling opportunities to talk to those clients about the breadth of our group offering,” he explained.

“It’s really exciting to have another part of the jigsaw.”

Billington retains a minority equity stake and will continue as COO of both businesses.

He commented: “From the start of the conversation with 25/8, I could see the synergy that this brings to both Prepackit and Cavendish Press and our partners. Being part of 25/8 and the investment that will bring in terms of systems and services will greatly benefit our partners.

“I am looking forward to working with Steve and the wider team to deliver a best-in-class service to our fast-growing partner base.”

Smith said that Cavendish operated as a division of Prepackit, and the combined operation currently had sales of around £700,000.

It employs 10 with a bank of established temporary workers on hand to flex production at peak periods.

“We know that will go to £1m-plus. We have big plans to grow that business, it’s a win-win,” he added.

25/8 Marketing Group has 20 employees and a further 30 people working in field marketing.

Smith said sales in its second year of trading to March 2023 were £5m, and turnover would be up again in the current financial year.

“We are only two-and-a-half years old, we’re proud of those numbers. We’re loving what we’re doing and have a smile on our faces all the time – I’m very proud of the team.”

Smith also said the business made a point of paying its suppliers to agreed terms and eschewing rebates or technology charges.

“If you’re a well-run business you don’t need to do that. We want to work on clean ticket, we’re keen to support our supplier base. Reputation is everything.”

The Prepackit and Cavendish Press deal completed on Friday (1 December).