The MBO was led by Stewarts managing director Terry O'Hare and was funded by Clydesdale bank.

The company has an 80-strong workforce and is expected to post turnover of around 8m this year.

Stewarts specialises in colour print media and office supplies. O'Hare headed the MBO with business development director Marion Reid and operations director Kenny Murray. He said that Stewarts will be "pursuing the acquisition of like-minded businesses in the UK  over the next five years".

"One of our key objectives is to expand our business interests in England where we currently work with multinational companies in the financial and legal services sectors," said O'Hare.

Stewarts has developed eService for online print and office supplies solutions. The company, launched as Geo Stewart & Co in 1879, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.