The software group is also on the verge of a worldwide merger with an unnamed "complementary" multimedia ad delivery firm, which will widen its services into radio and television advertising.

Quickcut, which already has European offices in London and Frankfurt, is to broaden its operation with offices in Italy, France and Spain, on the back of client demand for improved advertising delivery in Europe.

Quickcut UK chief executive Joe Jarrett said: "It's always been our goal to add QuickCut footprints into those markets. However, our clients are driving us into a faster time frame than we had originally thought, but a very achievable one."

The company will open branches in Milan by the end of the year and in Paris and Madrid by the beginning of April 2005.

The sum of investment in the expansion programme has not been revealed, but Jarrett said: "Cost will not be an issue. We will not skimp on any cost because if you do that you're not taking your client base seriously."

Jarrett added that the expansion could benefit Quickcut's UK clients wishing to promote their brands abroad. Currently, some 18% of the ads which the firm handles in the UK are destined for European titles.

"[Agencies] will be able to support clients for one centralised campaign across a wider range of titles, and [this] allows them to negotiate a better deal."