Ebb Paper managing director Tim Elliott said the acquisition was a logical one for the company and would increase its competitiveness against the multinationals.

"This is of major importance to us and will keep us at the forefront of paper merchanting in the UK," said Elliott. "It's a volume game, and we have to make sure we can compete."

Elliott said the London office of Beever would continue to trade under its existing name for the foreseeable future.

Ebb Paper purchased Littlehampton-based York & Ford Paper (Southern) from administration in March this year (PrintWeek, 18 March), its first acquisition since it bought Howard Davies Paper in 1999.

Elliott indicated at that time he was seeking further acquisitions.

The purchase of HV Beever, which operates three sales offices in East London, Sutton Coldfield and High Wycombe, will bring Ebb's total sales to 100,000 tonnes.

HV Beever employs 45 staff, and has a turnover of 16m.

Director Michael Beever will remain a director of the company, while his father, Godfrey, will act as a consultant for the next couple of years.

Elliott said the addition of HV Beever would take some time to bed in, but he would keep an eye out for future acquisitions and new staff. "We remain on the lookout for good people," he said.

The addition of the HV Beever sites will extend Ebb Paper's sales offices to 10 in the UK, covering the south east, south west and the Midlands.

Ebb Paper employs 180 staff and has a turnover of 65m.

Story by Andy Scott