B1 specialist Premier was having financial difficulties.

"We fit perfectly with NPM and are looking to increase the firm's presence in other areas," said sales director David Graham, who remains with the company along with commercial director Phil Simpson. "It's very much business as usual and NPM is a well respected company."

Graham added that he and Simpson were no longer shareholders but were running the business on NPM's behalf.

Derby-based NPM has a turnover of around 14m and the acquisition of Premier is likely to boost the figure to almost 20m. Premier has a turnover of 4.8m and covers direct mail and continuous stationery.