Httprint is being tipped by industry insiders to take over rival online print procurement portal Printmountain.


Httprint europe director of marketing Tim Smith would only say: "We are in discussions with many people. We have caught the eye of many people. There's consolidation happening but I can't name names."


But Printmountain chief executive Roy Hill "reaffirmed" that it was "not in discussions with httprint".


"There is no deal for httprint to acquire Printmountain or vice versa. Most dotcoms are looking for their next rounds of funding and are speaking to the rest of the people in the print space," he added.


Httprint has signed up over 600 suppliers in Europe and 185 buyers. Smith said the group would concentrate on expanding its European service in the coming months.


But in the medium term it will switch its focus to promoting the benefits of its other services, including print management and branded websites.


"It [signing up more suppliers] doesn't add any more value. What difference does it make having 500 suppliers in 23 countries from 600 in 27 countries?" said Smith.


l Httprint europe is working with the BPIF on the second stage of its Selectprinter.com website.


It will add an online trading element to the site. At the moment the site only allows users to search its directory for printers by location, product and printing process.


Story by Gordon Carson