The assets of King's Lynn-based Biddles were acquired out of administration in a pre-packed deal by the newly incorporated MPG Biddles, sister company to Bodmin-based MPG Books, on Friday 7 November.

MPG Books Group managing director Tony Chard said: "Recognising the increasing dominance of the larger print groups and their ability to leverage relationships with global publishers has established the rationale for this acquisition, which creates opportunities to consolidate within the industry by creating specialised units.

"Only companies that have a global outlook and ambitions will succeed in the future."

Rod Willet, who led an MBO at Biddles in 2005, added: "Poor profitability overall demands change to ensure business survival and the bringing together of our two operations ensures the vision and ambition for future sustainability."

See this week's PrintWeek for more information.