Derek Hartland has bought Bretton's last active company, after the group went into administration, saving 39 jobs but with 49 redundancies.

Repro house Arkima was sold in an undisclosed MBO in February 2004, while Bretton's second print firm Stanley Press merged with Frank Peters in January 2003.

Hartland, who becomes chairman, has appointed as managing director Mark Sutcliffe, former sales director and managing director of Stott Brothers, the Halifax print firm which went into liquidation at the start of December.

Frank Peters head of external sales Dave Cartlidge and customer services director Helen Butters also join the board.

Hartland has acquired the company's debtors, rather than relying on administrators to collect current debts. "I feel it's a risk worth taking to maintain relationships," he said.

He also revealed plans to rebrand within 3-6 months.

Story by Josh Brooks