The other members of the MBO team include operations director Kevin McGowan and sales and commercial director Jon Marsh.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will take ownership of the Rotherham-based firm from Dennis and Trevor Horner who founded the company in 1982.

"Our future strategy is based on evolution rather than revolution. We have acquired a fantastic business, which has solid foundations," said Fox.

The 14m turnover firm specialises in the production of corporate stationery, forms, booklets and pads and employs 170 staff. Its client list includes HSBC, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Prudential, BT, British Gas and The Co-operative Bank and stores.

"We intend to build upon this strength through controlled growth, both in our historic target markets but also [by] expanding our vision into new sectors," said Fox.

The deal was backed by Bank of Scotland and aided by Strategic Corporate Finance and law firm Keeble Hawson.