Antalis chief executive Thomas Bittner has left the firm by mutual agreement following a meeting with shareholders Worms et Cie.

A spokeswoman said Bittner had been disappointed by the decision not to demerge and float Antalis, which was taken when Worms et Cie acquired Arjo Wiggins Appleton (AWA).

A new chief executive will be in place by 1 October. He will join from another European service and distribution company, but from outside the paper industry.

The announcement of Bittners sudden departure was made at a presentation to analysts given by Worms et Cie, which reaffirmed its commitment to AWA.

Worms et Cie bought AWA in July last year (PrintWeek, 19 May 2000).

Bittner joined AWA in 1997 as chief executive of the merchanting division, and was appointed as an executive director of AWA in 1999.

The group will also close its Luton branch, with the loss of seven jobs, as well as its Ringwood, Hampshire branch.

Another spokeswoman said she anticipated the closures would take place before the end of year, and attributed the move to difficult market conditions.

This was not a snap decision. Antalis has reviewed the business as a whole, she said.

The closures leave Antalis with 22 branches across the UK, and two in southern Ireland. York & Ford is left as the only merchant serving the Luton area.

Part owned by Igepa, York & Ford has 10 branches in the UK. The group opened its Luton branch three weeks ago.

Story by Fay Schopen and Andy Scott