A spokesman for the company told PrintWeek that it was seeking a buyer for the east Belfast-based printer after earlier reports in the Belfast Telegraph last week.

However, he would not be drawn on any timeline for a sale, nor the reason the existing owners are looking to sell the £7.4m-turnover company.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, there are a number of companies interested in the business – not all of which are from the printing industry.

The 100-year-old printer, which employs around 110 staff, opened a new £2.5m facility early in 2008 after purchasing Universities Press and Hodge Office Supplies.

However, recent times have been tough on the company and Universities Press was wound up in October.

The company recorded an £89,000 loss in its most recent figures (for 2008), up from a £629,000 loss the previous year.

Graham & Heslip managing director Diarmuid McGarry was not available to comment.