The 24 October deal will see Hedgerow continue to operate from its facility with all 10 staff, with Brightsea managing director Mark Commins hinting that the company would be looking for new staff.
“We are very pleased with the acquisition. Like us, they are a family-owned business with a wonderful focus on their staff, customer service, price and ultimate quality,” Commins told Printweek.
“We will probably be looking for additional staff, if anyone wishes to send in their CV.”
He explained that both businesses would benefit from the synergy present in bringing together Hedgerow’s Komori Lithrone GL429 four-colour plus coater installed in 2021, which can handle sheets up to 480x660mm, and Brightsea’s Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75, which can handle slightly larger sheets.
“The synergy between the businesses works perfectly; both are top-end production presses with conventional and UV inks,” Commins added.
Both machines operate with conventional and UV inks, and are backed by a fleet of digital machinery, including wide-format kit.
Combined, the companies will have 42 staff, with Hedgerow’s turnover of £1.4m taking the group up to a combined total of nearly £5m.
Brightsea has taken on ownership of Hedgerow Print from directors Gary Radford and Michelle Radford, with Commins and fellow Brightsea director Ian White stepping in to manage the business. Gary Radford will stay on for an "extended handover", Commins said, "to enable a seamless transition for both staff and customers".
