Stylist launched in France on 18 April with a target launch ABC of 400,000 copies, distributed in 10 cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg.

It is the only mass-market weekly magazine being printed in the UK for France and was won against "tough competition from French, German and Italian printers", according to Shortlist Media co-founder and international director Tim Ewington.

"We are delighted that our joint venture partners have decided to extend the relationship between Polestar and Stylist across the Channel. Polestar showed their commitment and quality in winning this contract," he added.

Pre-press for the title is being carried out by France-based Arto and the files are then sent to Polestar Sheffield for gravure printing on improved newsprint. Distribution is handled by Timar.

Polestar marketing director James Povey said the print contract for the magazine, whose advertisers include the likes of Dior and Chanel, was won on quality.

"From our perspective, our sell was purely on quality; it's time-sensitive production, printing on improved newsprint and because of our relationship with Shortlist Media, we know what they're trying to achieve," he added.

"This is fantastic news for Polestar. We are very proud to have been able to develop our relationship with Shortlist Media in this way and to work with Groupe Marie Claire for the first time on such a high profile, quality focused launch."

Benoit Carlier, production and purchasing director at Groupe Marie Claire, said: "The Marie Claire Group through the joint venture Timar is very excited about the prospect of working with Polestar to launch the French Stylist.

"We were impressed by the quality of the commercial offer and the technical solutions proposed by Polestar Sheffield’s team. We are confident that Polestar has all the strengths to meet our delivery and quality requirements."

Polestar has a French sales office and prints a range of commercial work (in the UK) for the French market, mainly flyers, brochures and other retail distribution work for supermarkets and other retailers.