58k.coms European operation is poised to merge with "a company in the same field".


But most of its main rivals have denied having any interest in the online auction site.


Managing director Martin Tamlyn said a deal would be announced in the next few weeks, and that 58k.com would "continue to flourish in the UK".


The news follows the announcement that Servador, a US-based provider of auction technology for the printing industry, has bought 58k.coms US business.


"We regard the acquisition as a very positive move on both sides of the Atlantic," added Tamlyn.


An httprint europe source admitted it had been "talking to 58k.com for a while", and it is understood to be interested in the firms private auction facilities.


PrintCafe European marketing manager Sharon Hodgson said 58k.com was "not a company we are interested in acquiring or merging with".


Printmountain, ControlP and PrintChannel also denied any interest in 58k.