The announcement, made today, will see Pira International trade under the tag of A provider of Ciba Expert Services. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Swiss company Ciba is a specialist manufacturer of chemicals to produce high-value effects for end products.

It had sales of CHF 6.6bn (2.8bn) in 2003 and spent more than CHF 281m (121.7m) last year on research and development to enhance the companys products.

Its main products for the graphic arts market include the Colibri Quickmatch and Colibri QualityControl high-end software product for professional colour matching.

Ciba Specialty Chemicals chairman and ceo Armin Meyer said: This is a focused transaction that fits well with our strategy of building on our core competencies and our opportunities for profitable growth.

The acquisition of Pira International means that together we are creating a global service platform that has the expertise and experience to support and service the entire value chain in the packaging, paper, printing and publishing industries.

Pira International employs 140 people at its base in Leatherhead and has been rumoured to have been looking for a buyer for the 7m freehold site for some time.

It has already lodged a planning application with the local authorities to redevelop its 7,400sq m site, Piras home for the past 70 years, following a reported 1.6m deficit last year and a legal requirement to plug a hole in its pension fund.

Pira International managing director Mike Hancock has now joined the management team of Cibas Expert Services Unit, headed by Adrian Knott.

Hancock said: Becoming part of the Ciba organisation offers us the opportunity to fully utilize our knowledge and new opportunities for growth across all our products and services.

by Tony Brown