Great Universal Stores (GUS) has sold its last print business, Worcester-based Ebenezer Baylis, to Birmingham printer John Goodman in a deal mooted by PrintWeek last month (PrintWeek, 19 October).

At that time both sides declined to comment, with John Goodman managing director Clive Parkes indicating he would "know more at a later date".

GUS decision to sell Baylis follows its disposal earlier this year of Kidderminster-based GT Cheshires & Sons to management for an undisclosed sum (PrintWeek, 6 July).

Ebenezer Baylis managing director Ian Cranston said the move came about after GUS decided the printing operation would no longer form part of its plans.

"We took the decision to market the company through advisers and John Goodman took an interest," said Cranston.

"The deal is good for the region and for both companies as it brings together two long- and well-established forces," said Parkes.

"The deal gives both parties a lot more options, and enables both sides to share their experience and technology," he added.

He did not rule out further expansion of the business at a later date.

Seven B1 presses will operate 24/7 across the combined operation. The expanded group will have 150 staff and will continue to operate out of two sites.

Cranston will continue to head the Worcester operation and will join the new group board, which will be headed by Parkes.

Grant Thornton Corporate Finance in Birmingham led the buyout.

Story by Andy Scott