Manchester-headquartered PFI Group already encompassed PFI Signs, GB Sign Solutions, Sign Plus, Lofthus Signs, In2 Signs & Graphics, Shades Graphics and Mardan Products.

The addition of the Futurama business is expected to take group sales to £35m this year.
PFI Group chief executive Darren McMurray said he was “truly delighted” that the Futurama team was joining the PFI family.

“The acquisition complements PFI Group’s specialist capabilities, strengthening our leadership position in the UK print and signage marketplace and extending our ability to provide an all-encompassing, full-service sign, graphics and display offering to customer’s across Europe while, at the same time, diversifying both our product and customer mix,” he said.

The Futurama business dates back to 1880 and originally stems from a signwriting shop in London’s East End. The name Futurama was adopted in 1958.

The company has been owned by several generations of the Roberts family. Sadly, owner and chairman Rick Roberts died suddenly in July 2017, with the ownership of Futurama passing to his estate.

The business had sales of just over £12m in its most recent accounts, for the year ending 31 December 2018.

Futurama specialises in branded environments and works for a number of blue-chip clients including M&S, NatWest, Renault, HSBC, Kia, TSB, Lloyds Banking Group, Nissan Europe, Co-op, Seat Europe, Iceland, and the Post Office. 

It provides an end-to-end offering comprising merchandising, signs, retail systems, cladding, network support, displays and furniture. It also offers a maintenance service.