Kidderminster-based GT Cheshire & Sons has been bought by its management from Great Universal Stores.


The company, which specialises in direct mail continuous stationery, was bought with private funding for an undisclosed sum.
Now trading as Cheshires ColourMail, the company has a 9m turnover.


Sales director Ray Bignell, who led the MBO with managing director Brian Wilson and works director Alan Watts, said the buyout was prompted by a rationalisation at GUS.
Home shopping has been performing badly. GUS decided to sell off its non-core businesses such as Cheshires so the management decided to step in, added Bignell.


About 50% of Cheshires work continues to be with GUS, but Bignell said the company was looking to spread its client base to develop its full potential. More activity in the lasering sector is likely.


Cheshires is also negotiating with strategic partners operating in the direct mail and commercial markets with a view to setting up mutually beneficial trading relationships.
Bignell said the company would retain all of its 110 staff, who are split 60/40 between printing interests and an office supplies arm on two sites at Kidderminster.


Story Richard Rhydderch