It paid an undisclosed sum for the two shows, which formed a small part of Reeds 400-plus exhibitions worldwide.

Print in the UK hasnt been core for a couple of years, said Reed group exhibition director Andrew Furness. Its been a small sector since the end of the tie-up with Ipex.

No staff are being transferred from Reed to IIR under the deal but there will be no redundancies.

IIR is expecting to expand its six-strong print team to handle the additional events. At the moment, the firm has yet to decide who will head up the two shows. The group will reveal further details after its heavy autumn and winter show schedules, which include the launch of Digital Print World in November. IIR has interest in print shows in the Far East as well as the UK.

Exhibitors greeted the move, some with caution.

IIRs muscle should improve the shows, Northprint became tired under Reed, said Agfa UK director Graphic Systems Laurence Roberts.

Northprint has not been as well run as Id have liked to see, said Litho Supplies joint managing director Gerry Mulvaney. I hope IIR can change that, and likewise Flexo.

Mulvaney also said he felt the market was changing and shows were becoming less important and less cost-effective as part of the marketing mix.

I cant wait for Northprint to promote to the north, and clients cant wait until the shows to make decisions, he said. Client knowledge is very high, the functions of exhibitions are becoming redundant.

Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert will open Digital Print World at 10am on 25 November.

Story by Barney Cox