The Belfast-based businesses will be run side-by-side to offer print services to the Northern Irish market, with Bradbury Graphics, continuing to operate from its existing premises in the Harbour Estate.

The £1.5m-turnover Northside Graphics, which was founded in 1988, specialises in both small- and wide-format digital printing. It acquired the goodwill and assets of Bradbury Graphics, which had 15 staff, in November for an undisclosed sum.

Northside managing director Gary White said: "Our aim is to keep clients happy and ensure that there is no interruption to any services. We want to save as many jobs as we can but as the business was making a loss there will need to be some restructuring."

White added that Northside Graphics has no firm plans to acquire more businesses but that the company "would look at any opportunities that arise."