The newly formed, 15m-turnover Alito Group is to install three Rapida 105 presses in a purpose-built 10m facility in Hackney, north-east London.

The 3,700sqm Alito House will house the six-colour Rapida 105 with coater and board facility, which was launched at Drupa, alongside two Rapida 105 ten-colour and eight-colour long perfectors.

The choice of KBA will mark a turning point for the two printers, which are both currently all-Heidelberg houses.

Stephen Hems, joint managing director of Oaktree Press, said that KBA had been chosen for its "equipment and professionalism".

"It's a very short call. There's not a lot between the top names anymore, but we liked everything about KBA," he said.

Terry Brady, chairman of Alito Colour Group, said: "We wanted to begin with as much new equipment as possible. "This is the perfect opportunity, enabling us to give our clients, both existing and potential, a one-stop solution to their commercial print and direct mail requirements."

The three KBA presses will run on the Densitronic S density and spectral imaging controls, CipLink networking and RapidKut reel sheeting.

Alito and Oaktree have set a date of 1 November to complete the merger, and will move into the new building soon afterwards. Hems said that plans for the move were "on schedule".

The two companies currently operate from three sites, in Islington, Romford and Rotherhithe.

Brady, who is also deputy chairman of Portsmouth Football Club and a regular fixture in the Sunday Times' Rich List, will remain chairman of the group. Oaktree's Stephen Hems and Les Newnham will be joint managing directors.

Story by Josh Brooks