Beale, who declined to comment on the value of the deal, now has 100% control of the 41-strong Manchester-based company.

Print Search has been in business for more than 35 years and has an annual turnover of around £7.5m.

Its clients include Manchester United FC, Manchester City FC, Yates Group and a host of blue-chip names.

Beale has worked in print management since 1996, including time at PM giant Astron (now RR Donnelley GDS) and has also been a director at various print companies.

Beale said: "The MBO made good business sense. I plan to build on what I have inherited and ensure that we deliver the right solutions and allow our clients to focus on their core business."

In a report in the Manchester Evening News, Beale stated that he planned to open an office in the London area and also increase sales to around £20m in the next decade. The firm has also begun a £250,000 investment programme at its Manchester headquarters.

Clarification: In an early version of this story it was incorrectly reported that Beale was a former director of Astron. It was also stated that Royal Bank of Scotland was a client of the firm, when in fact it is not a client, but actually provided funding for the deal. Apologies for any embarrassment caused.