Bezier has bought Leicester-based Pointer, which specialises in the manufacture and design of temporary and permanent point-of-sale material, for an undisclosed sum.

Bezier chief executive Mark Shaw said the latest acquisition would not be the last as it continues to seek a firm to fulfil demand in the large-format litho sector.

"We will fill gaps either through acquisition or setting up our own operation, but the large litho side is quite difficult to get nailed at the moment," said Shaw.

He added: "Pointer has a very similar culture to us and the management team is a very young one.

"They are focused on continuous improvement and will stay in Leicester. As well as getting us into semi-permanent or permanent [structure] manufacturing it will enhance our skills base."

Pointer managing director Mark Fletcher added: "We see it as a natural progression and where we see the industry going. The move gives us more security and scope to offer clients. We have been a design-led business and we do more than just print - our heritage is in plastics."

Shaw said he intends to expand the 15m turnover firm, which edges bezier's turnover to almost 100m.

He added: "We're not getting hung up on the turnover. We want to build a business that's right for the market."

Bezier is aiming to push its turnover to 200m by 2010. The company is owned by private equity group Mid-Ocean Partners, although Shaw said that the money for the Pointer buy came from "internal resources and our debt restructure".

In August, bezier bought Leeds-based marketing and advertising agency Poulters and is aiming to buy a 15m large-format litho printer.

Pointer factfile
Location Leicester
Turnover 15m
Managing director Mark Fletcher
Staff 150
Market temporary and permanent PoS
Sectors health, beauty and cosmetics, drinks, fashion


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