Barnes, which produces stationery, promotional and point-of-sale material, has transferred the four staff and Heidelberg kit from WJ Butler to its Hucknall plant.

The two companies have worked closely together for two generations, according to Hugh Barnes, managing director of 26-staff Barnes Print Group.

The buy was prompted by the sudden death of the smaller firms managing director David Butler, 49, last year. His widow Susan decided to sell.

Barnes has bought several local print firms, including Colour Craft, Thomas Harling and Herbert Payne, in recent years.