FC Imaging, which supplies Lastra plates in the UK and internationally, will transfer four staff to work directly for Lastra, while the remaining staff will concentrate on the firm's foreign trade.

Fenton Curley, FC Imaging managing director (pictured right with Lastra Imaging managing director Mike Warnes), said that his firm would now focus on its activities in Africa, which "provide us with significantly more opportunity to add value to the products that we sell, and are therefore more profitable."

"Constantly eroding margins in the UK helped us to decide on a change of course for the business," he added.

Warnes said: "This deal provides us with a committed and loyal customer base that is used to receiving excellent service and support. This will continue to be provided by our team at Lastra Imaging."

He added that existing FC Imaging customers in the UK would have access to a wider range of products through Lastra.

Story by Josh Brooks