"It's a very successful business and it's Andy and I that have built it up, so it's natural that we take it on," said Clark, chief executive of PrintWeek's Printing Company of the Year 2004. "Other than the ownership, nothing has changed."

The deal for the 10m-turnover book printer, which had been owned by publisher Ulverscroft Group for over 25 years, was signed on 29 April and backed by HSBC.

"It [Ulverscroft] has always been keen to develop its own business, which is publishing, and book manufacturing didn't quite sit," said Clark. "We've retained them as a client though," he added.

Clark has been with the firm for over 20 years, in two stints, and commercial director Vosper 26 years "man and boy".

The duo have no plans for immediate changes at the firm's Cornish plant. "We had a fairly comprehensive investment plan, which culminated last year in doubling the floor space in our digital unit and putting in a new print line and binder. This year was always going to be one of consolidation," said Clark.

TJ became the first UK book printer to take the new generation of the Oc VarioStream 9000, when it signed for the digital press at Drupa last year. The firm also signed for a Wohlenberg City perfect binder at the show.

The firm, founded in 1970, already had plans for future investment, prior to the MBO. "We will then go on again with the same plans in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and that will continue," said Clark.

Story by Darryl Danielli