The regional sales teams had retained their separate trading identities after the Antalis Group acquired Map Merchants, which included James McNaughton, in October 2007.

A small number of jobs are now in consultation and, while the company hasn't yet confirmed how many of its branches will close, it said it would make sense – where it has two branches in close proximity – to move into one building.

Managing director Ian George said: "The merger isn't about reducing the number of staff. While there may unfortunately be a small number of people that will leave as a result of bringing the two companies together, to minimise this we had already reduced headcount through not replacing vacant positions."

He said that merging the two merchants would help to achieve synergies and make the group more efficient.

"It is not an exercise in cost-cutting. While we have cut costs, this move is about making a simpler model and the time is right for our businesses to join together."

He said that UK printers would now have access to the group's combined portfolio of products – a move that it claimed would increase choice.

Over the past two years, the business has brought the back office functions of Antalis and the James McNaughton Group together, including its warehouse and distribution network gm2 logistics.

It has also combined its specialist sales experience in publishing, sign and display, office products and packaging.

Bruce Munro, previously Antalis national sales director, has become national sales director of Antalis McNaughton, while Alistair Wade, McNaughton sales director, is now the sales director for the specialist divisions.  

Antalis McNaughton has a £500m turnover and claims 30% of the UK merchant market.