Salter has joined mergers and acquisitions specialist David Garrick as core director focusing on the print and packaging sector, a new area for the firm. "I dont think a great deal has changed in the industry, except its got tougher," he said.

London-based David Garrick specialises in owner/manager deals, and Salter will be focusing on transactions in the 3m to 30m bracket. "If you are thinking of selling, the time is right there are great benefits at the moment with the capital gains tax position for small businesses. You can be a lot better off if you plan it properly."

Salter left Jarvis Porter in the summer of 2000, but retained some ties with the industry through his role as non-executive chairman at McCorquodale Confidential Print.

Contact: 020 7631 0659 or visit www.davidgarrick.com.

Story by Jo Francis