The Liverpool-based company, which was originally the print and mail division of Littlewoods Shop Direct Group, has spent the last year expanding its range of non-print services.

Its deal with Apteco comes some nine months after CDMS announced a push into multi-channel marketing, with InfoPrint Solutions, and continues its trend toward offering better data-driven services.

CDMS said the deal was designed to enhance its end-to-end direct marketing service by providing customers with improved data analysis and insight capabilities.

Sales and marketing director Chris Brooks said: "FastStats Discoverer will enable our clients to visualise and maximise the value of the data assets we manage on their behalf.

"Our investment in FastStats is testimony to our dedication to provide best-in-breed technology and service to our clients, in order to create truly intelligent one-to-one communications."

FastStats will enable CDMS to offer enhanced modelling and profiling – allowing it to predict the behaviour and response of prospects and customers, as well as visual analysis and customised reporting of market data.

Apteco managing director James Alty said that the integrationg of FastStats would allow CDMS' clients to benefit from "more targeted marketing communications".

FastStats is currently in use at more than 250 sites worldwide, with clients including 3M, Barclays, Dell, TUI and Unilever.

CDMS, which has a turnover of £100m, was recently granted independence from Shop Direct Group to facilitate further rapid company development. It appointed its own board of controlling directors on 1 May.

Its clients include Littlewoods, Bank of America, Royal Mail and Switch 2.