But there were no further details as to whether the potential purchaser has walked away from negotiations or if they are set to follow up on their interest.

"We can't speculate on the situation," said a Communisis spokesman. "All we can say is that preliminary discussions have ended and that Communisis is now focusing on its growth areas such as partnering with financial institutions."

Earlier this month Communisis signed a 10-year outsourcing contract with HSBC and clinched a deal with Allied Irish Bank.

Meanwhile, Communisis has said that trading for the year ended 31 December 2005 was "in line with its expectations" despite difficult market conditions. Its full-year results will be announced on 2 March. Communisis' share price fell 4p to 74p on the news.