Liverpool-based BEC is a distributor of Ricoh kit, however Imagistics plans to expand the operation. BEC currently focuses on copiers, fax machines and printers and has a turnover of 3.5m with 25 staff.

"It is a tightly run and financially viable business," said Imagistics marketing and communications manager Bob Bishop. "We will now look to push on and grow the company."

Imagistics hinted at a move in to the north west last month and the BEC buy comes after it purchased Rentokil Office Solutions, giving Imagistics a presence in the Midlands.

Earlier this year Imagistics entered into the high-volume document management market by launching its 1025 printer, a version of Konica Minolta's bizhub Pro1050.

Story by Philip Chadwick