Baylis in buyout talks

Birmingham-based John Goodman & Sons is believed to be poised to make a bid for Ebenezer Baylis & Son, the Worcester printer owned by Great Universal Stores

Birmingham-based John Goodman & Sons is believed to be poised to make a bid for Ebenezer Baylis & Son, the Worcester printer owned by Great Universal Stores (GUS).

John Goodman managing director Tony Parkes said he was "not in a position to comment", but might "know a little more" in a weeks time.

Ebenezer Baylis & Son commercial director John Grove said an MBO was "not on the cards" but would not comment further.

John Goodman & Sons was also believed to have been interested in GT Cheshire & Sons, which was bought from GUS in an MBO earlier this year, but these claims were refuted (PrintWeek, 6 July).