Venture capitalists are among the parties that have been linked to the firm, but talks continue amid speculation about its future owner.

Print management specialist Williams Lea declined to comment on rumours linking the two firms.

Consolidation in the print management sector started last year when Communisis acquired Centurion and Williams Lea bought Alistair McIntosh.

Print management accounts for 60% of Access Plus total sales, which rose 2% in 2002 to 30.4m.