Howard Smith Paper (HSP) has acquired the Consort Royal brand in the wake of the closure of Donside Paper Company at the beginning of this month (PrintWeek, 3 August).


HSP had an exclusive agreement with Donside to distribute Consort Royal paper and board.


The company has bought the rights to the brand name and trademark in Europe and will use a leading European coated paper producer to produce new stock to exact specifications.


HSP declined to reveal the name of the paper producer, but industry insiders named Scheufelen as a likely contender. The German company refused to comment.


HSP Group head of marketing Karen Smillie said: "We want to make sure we control the actual product. We can assure our customers they will get the same quality of Consort Royal wherever it is made."


HSP has also announced that it will host the next Consort awards, due to take place in early 2002.


Entry details will be announced within the next month.


Story by Fay Schopen