Administrators from agency The Debt Advisor were appointed on 5 July at Fuller Davies, after the print and mailing company of over 30 years’ standing failed under the successive pressures of Covid, rising costs, and bad debts.
KNP, based just 27 miles away in Bury St Edmunds, will integrate Fuller Davies into its operations while preserving its trading name.
Printweek has not yet learned whether the acquired firm’s structure or management will change as a result of the acquisition.
In a statement responding to Printweek's questions, Neil Stones, Fuller Davies’ managing director, said: “We approached a business advisory agency in April this year, asking them to conduct a rigorous review of Fuller Davies operations, and advise us on the most appropriate course of action.
“After a thorough and detailed examination, and considering all options, the recommended step was that we should enter into administration.
“Once that was determined, it was important we sold to a business who are a good fit for the team, for our customers, and for the local area.”
Stones therefore approached KNP, impressed by the firm’s sustainability credentials, reputation for quality, and its status as a local, family-run business.
He said: “KNP are a strong business we’ve collaborated with for a number of years, who share the same ethos and beliefs as Fuller Davies, and are therefore a wonderful partner to help us carve out a new future.”
In the same response, Dave Gibbons, KNP’s managing director, added that it was an exciting time for KNP.
“We’re delighted that Fuller Davies is now part of our family.
“They’re a business we’ve known and worked with for several years, they’ve done a lot of great work for many companies in the East of England and beyond, but most importantly, they share our values, commit to delivering outstanding service and quality, and go that extra mile for their customers.
“Our aim is to build on Fuller Davies' reputation and provide customers in East Anglia with the kind of comprehensive service that meets their needs through high quality, cost effective solutions, and makes their lives easier.
“Coming together is going to be a positive change for everyone.”
