Howie & Seath will retain its name and Gibson Print will close while its 12-strong workforce will relocate to the newly acquired company.
Both firms are based in Edinburgh and the operation will be run by Gibson Print joint managing directors Peter Gibson and Purves. Howie & Seath proprietor Gordon MacKenzie is emigrating.
"We've made the move because Howie & Seath has a good reputation and has good kit," said Purves. The firm focuses on commercial print but Purves added that it may branch out into direct mail early next year.
"There is still a need for good quality sheetfed DM in the region," he said. Gibson will oversee the production side of the business while Purves will head up the sales and marketing operation. Gibson was works director at Waddies before leaving to start up his own firm 10 years ago.
Purves spent 37 years at Waddies and became managing director in 1997 after leading a 16m MBO. He also oversaw the group's move from its Edinburgh headquarters to a single-site operation in Livingston. He left the company two years ago following Waddies' takeover by Ormolu Group.
Howie & Seath has a workforce of 50 and its kit includes five- and six-colour Komori presses and a two-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster.
Its clients include Scottish Widows and Standard Life. The firm has been operating for 90 years. It has a turnover of 3m while Gibson Print's turnover is 1m.
Story by Philip Chadwick
