The division will operate as part of Astron. CMCS offers disaster recovery, business continuity, digital printing and mailing services to a range of clients including the Government and firms in the financial, telecommunication and utilities industries.

"Both CMCS and its customers will benefit from this move," said Astron International president David Mitchell (pictured). "It gives the company stability and gives comfort to the customers. Many of them now feel they need to have a more rigorous approach just having a spare machine in the corner will not wash anymore."

Mitchell added that the acquisition will assist Astron in the research and development area.

"We will now be able to test equipment and software," he said. "Their skills will strengthen the mail and transactional services that we have."

According to Mitchell, existing management will stay in place and CMCS will continue to run as a separate unit. There are no plans to change the company's name.

CMCS operates from a 3,200sqm facility that houses 15 sheet- and reel-fed digital presses, and 14 inserting lines as well as bookletmaking and hand finishing facilities.

The Droitwich Spa, Worcester-based firm has a workforce of 30 and a turnover of 3.5m.