The two businesses have worked together for around 15 years, with both recently moving into neighbouring buildings, Datum’s director Scott Pearce told Printweek.

The deal for completed in March, after a short period of discussion and negotiation.

£600,000-turnover Barley Agency employs three members of staff – two designers and one web developer – who, under the terms of the acquisition, have moved next door into Datum’s Cuffley offices.

Pearce said: “The two businesses really complement each other. We really want to build on offering a more creative design service, which is what customers are looking for, so taking on board the Barley team will help us do that.

“At the same time Barley is quite big in the state and private education sector, so we can expand our client base and grow our digital and print management services there as well.”

Pearce said the move would help to drive growth at Datum with the combined businesses now able to offer branding, design, animation, CGI, and website UI/UX.

“Ultimately, this is an exciting new chapter for Datum,” Pearce added.

“We are also excited to be sharing our studio at Sópers House in Cuffley. It’s going to allow us to work collaboratively, both with colleagues and clients.”

Datum Creative Media, trading as Datum, emerged after a restructure at the business last year saw Datum Colour Print go into voluntary liquidation.

In 2008, along with business partner Mark Gamble, Pearce led an MBO of the former Datumpress business.