Preston-based PSL offers a range of services to clients in the UK and Europe spanning design, print procurement, storage and distribution, and online ordering. 

The firm was established in 1986 and serves clients include the NHS and public sector bodies. It is a framework supplier on a number of publicly-tendered contracts including multiple Crown Commercial Services contracts.

In the pandemic-impacted financial year to 28 February 2021, PSL filed sales down 24% at £20.4m and made an operating profit of £1.3m. The prior year had been a record year for the business. It employs 55.

Hague Group had sales of £28m in 2020 and made an operating profit of £2.2m. The firm said the deal would propel the group’s turnover to £50m. 

The terms of the takeover, which had been rumoured in print management circles for some time, were not disclosed. 

PSL was owned by managing director Jim Gilliland, who will be 65 this year. 

He remains with the business as do PSL’s management, sales, admin and warehouse teams. 

Gilliland commented: “This is an exciting new chapter for PSL and Hague, where both successful businesses have joined together to provide an even stronger offering.”

Hague Group managing director Graham Wain said the Hague team had known the PSL directors for many years, and had been impressed by the firm's “growth through innovation and the provision of exceptional services”.

“The integration of our complementary businesses supports our overall strategy and ambition to become the best in the market, providing high quality solutions offering excellent value,” he said.

Hague Group focuses on ‘value-added’ niche print services and is currently preparing to move to a new 3,484sqm head office and warehouse site near to its existing facility. The business now has 11 locations across the UK.

Hague previously went on an acquisition spree in 2018-2019 that saw it buy three businesses in the space of six months. 

The firm also has a print and distribution operation in Australia.