CPI has strengthened its position in the bible printing market with the acquisition of Belgian specialist Splichal.


The new buy will act as a complement to the bible printing capacity at UK subsidiary Bath Press, said CPI UK managing director Peter Palframan.


"We're delighted with Splichal joining the group. It demonstrates our commitment to the bible market," he said.


Based in Turnhout, along with another CPI subsidiary Proost, Splichal has a turnover of 9.25m (euros 16m), half of which is generated in the US. It employs 120 staff.


France-based CPI now owns 17 printing plants and 29% of its 173m turnover comes from its UK plants which include Bath Press, Cox & Wyman and recent acquisition Mackays.