Online print buying service TripleArc is looking to float on the Alternative Investment Market by Christmas.

The flotation would value the firm at around 20m. TripleArc chief executive Conor OBrien said the firm planned to buy companies in the print management field to enable it to become the "industry standard for print procurement".

It hopes to raise 2m through the flotation to fund the development of new products and services.

Last month TripleArc bought GL2, a London-based print management company. OBrien said GL2 would remain a "distinct division" but would help TripleArc to develop the solutions it offered.

The firms service includes the TripleArc Print Catalogue, a customised online catalogue of print buyers materials that it claims is suitable for frequently ordered items like business cards, stationery and marketing brochures.

Printers receive press-ready PDF files and jobs downloaded from the TripleArc system have a comprehensive job ticket.

TripleArc will launch a project management system based on the JDF standard in the first quarter of 2002. Collaborative Workflow will offer integrated communication from one secure location. "Integration is the key," said OBrien.

Story by Gordon Carson