Scott Pearce and Mark Gamble led the MBO, having joined the business as apprentices in 1988, the year it was founded by Alan Willis. The duo took charge on 8 August.

Pearce said: "Our customers have been dealing with us for years now and they seem to be pleased that it is us carrying on the business. It has probably been the nicest takeover ever carried out."

The company employs 13 staff and is currently turning over more than £1m a year and around 50% of its business is in the pre-media sector.

However, it also offers digital, offset and large-format printing via its HP Indigo and Konica Minolta digital machines, a Komori five-colour B2 and six wide-format printers.

Founder Willis said: "I am retiring at a time when the company is in excellent shape and performing well with a good spread of trade work and direct clients. We are one of the best-equipped print operations with the very best technology, which will be most beneficial in the coming months.

"Scott and Mark are two extremely experienced and skilled professionals and I am delighted that they are continuing the business."

According to Pearce, the company is now setting about finalising a number of investments, including web-to-print technology and the purchase of a large-format flat-bed printer.

Datum's clients include supermarkets, car manufacturers, estate agent groups, mobile phone companies, local councils, power companies and leading London advertising agencies.