Opus Trust will not go ahead with the purchase of CGNUs Basildon print inplant (PrintWeek, 11 May).


A spokeswoman for the direct marketing and IT services firm said that after due diligence it had decided that the inplant "didnt fit in with the way we wanted to go".


But she denied that the decision had been influenced by protests by staff at the inplant and by a letter they sent to PrintWeek expressing concern about employment prospects under Opus (PrintWeek, 25 May).


Opus Trust still plans to buy a printing firm to give it printing and mailing facilities in one location in the Greater London area.


"Wed be interested in talking to an operation of a similar size and location," the spokeswoman said.


Geoff Usher, GPMU branch officer for Hertfordshire and Essex, said he had heard the news but was still concerned for the employees at the plant.


CGNU said it was undertaking a strategic review of the inplant and would make a decision in due course.


The 7,400m2 inplant employs 60 staff.


Story by Gordon Carson and Andy Scott