The deal, which will see Pindar acquire a 15% stake in Wren Press for an undisclosed sum, will see the two businesses continue to trade under separate brands initially but Barnard & Westwood will relocate to Wren Press's Chelsea site.

Barnard & Westwood managing director Daniel Jones, who will become managing director of the combined company, said: "We are really excited by the move which is a great opportunity for us. Combined we have a fantastic workforce and great resources to lead the quality print sector."

He added that the combined company would be looking to expand its international reach. Outside its Chelsea base, Wren has showrooms in New York, Hong Kong and Dublin. Jones said that, with the backing of Pindar, the company would be looking to build its presence in the Far East.

Wren Press Stationers has both Royal Warrants from the Queen and the Prince of Wales, while Barnard and Westwood was granted its Royal Warrant by the Queen in 1986.

Nigel Rawlence will become overall chairman; Austen Kopley will continue as a director of Barnard & Westwood.

Rawlence said: "There are significant synergies between the two companies and putting together two competent management teams will assist our expansion both in the UK and overseas.

"While we see opportunities in the Far East, the US remains the biggest market in the world and Pindar's contacts in the States will stand us in good stead."