The acquisition, announced today, represents Haymarket's first print sector purchase in the region and makes it the world's pre-eminent print and packaging publisher, according to Jeremy Vaughan, managing director of the company's Australian subsidiary, Haymarket Media.

He said: "Haymarket is now the leading publisher worldwide in the print and packaging category. This brings almost unlimited resources to ProPrint and will give its readers a wealth of new content."

Following the purchase, ProPrint will become part of Haymarket's print and packaging group, which includes PrintWeek, Printing World, printweek.com, pressXchange, Druck & Medien, Packaging News, packagingnews.co.uk and Packaging News Russia.

Wayne Manning, publishing director of Haymarket's print and packaging group, said: "The ProPrint acquisition represents a truly exciting development for the company and will complement the rest of the Haymarket print portfolio.

"Print and packaging are truly global markets and further coordination of our efforts, editorially and commercially, will reap great rewards when further extending our international footprint.

"PrintWeek and Packaging News are world-leading brands, which will add further depth and authority to ProPrint."

The print edition of ProPrint, which is published monthly, will be redesigned in time for its June issue and its website will also be overhauled.

Vaughan said: "Our first issue is in June, which will incorporate the PrintWeek brand values. The ProPrint website will also take on a new look with the local online editor able to draw on rich content from our international print portfolio."

ProPrint editor Stephen Crowe and advertising manager Carmen Ciappara will both continue their work on the title, while ProPrint founder Don Elliott will become a publishing consultant for the magazine.

Vaughan said: "Steve and Carmen have a wealth of experience and are central to the future of the business.

"This month will be a very busy time as the team creates the new design in print and relaunches the website in time for Drupa 2008."

Commenting on the sale of the magazine, Elliott said: "When Haymarket approached us we felt the timing was right and ProPrint was going to a good home with a solid heritage in serving the print industry.

"I'm excited about working as a consultant. Haymarket has some excellent plans for the business."

Vaughan added: "When we looked at the market, ProPrint was the title that fitted our requirements – it's a strong title with solid foundations and respect in the market, which gives us an excellent base to develop.

"ProPrint fits perfectly with our expansion plans in Australia and will itself generate more products in its sector."