Under the terms of the deal, Hans Gronhi has acquired all machinery, inventory and patent technology from the Japanese company.

Hans Gronhi will integrate Shinohara's B1, B2 and B3 presses into its own range and transfer manufacturing capabilities from Japan to its own facility in Yingkou, China.

Shinohara's first presence under its new ownership will be at next month's Drupa when Hans Gronhi will showcase the first 'S' series Shinohara presses on its 400sqm stand (Hall 16, D18).

Comprising the S-79-IVH B2+ four-colour press and the S-66-IVP SRA2 four-colour perfector, the machines will complement Hans Gronhi's five-colour GH525 B3 presses at the show.

The Shinohara range of presses will now be supported in the UK by Hans Gronhi’s agent Printers Superstore, which becomes master European distributor for both manufacturers.

Graham Moorby, joint managing director of Printers Superstore said: "This is a logical step which enhances the product range on offer and opens up exciting new opportunities for us developing an established product with a longstanding user base.

"Having achieved so much in the arena of B3 presses we are most excited about the expertise Shinohara bring in the B2 and B1 arena."

Shinohara endured a difficult start to 2012 after filing for the Civil Rehabilitation Act (CRA), the Japanese bankruptcy protection scheme similar to the US Chapter 11 in January.

Speaking at the time, Shinohara president Mikio Shinohara said the company was "deeply" sorry for the inconvenience and anxiety it caused customers and would continue to operate as normal while it was working through the bankruptcy protection.