Daniel Smith and Martin Ellis, of Grant Thornton, were appointed joint administrators of the Hemel Hempstead-based firm on 27 July.

"Given the ongoing difficulties facing mainstream commercial printers, we are pleased to have been able to sell Lobster's business to Annodata group," said Smith.

The firm will become part of the 35m turnover group's print division, which includes Dunstable-based digital print and design outfit Turners Creative.

"Lobster adds litho production to the Annodata Print Services... which now has a total annual turnover of 6m," said Print Services managing director Paul Riches.

"Lobster's lithographic print capabilities, its capacity as a mailing house, and its customer base made it an attractive option," added Smith.

According to the administrators, the deal protects Lobster's 30-strong workforce  and ensures continuity of service for the firm's customers.

As well as print, the Annodata group's operations include document solutions, telecoms and IT, AV and office supply.

Story by Darryl Danielli