The Express Newspapers owner's decision to continue the joint venture puts an end to months of uncertainty at the Docklands plant.

"In the Barclays we have found like-minded business people with whom we can work. This will be a strong partnership between two private companies ensuring the long-term success of the plant," said Desmond.

A spokesman for Frederick Barclay said: "We are very pleased that the partnership will continue and look forward to working with Richard Desmond and his team at West Ferry."

The news comes a week after the Barclay brothers poached Associated Newspapers managing director Murdoch MacLennan to become chief executive of the Telegraph Group.

One newspaper source said that Desmond had "seen sense", but that his decision may have been based on the fact that he "wouldn't have to sit around that table with Jeremy Deedes".

Former Telegraph Group chief executive Deedes and Desmond have locked horns over West Ferry on several occasions in the past.

Guardian Media Group production director Joe Clark said: "It's excellent. It'll stop the infighting, and West Ferry can get on with being the good print plant that it can be."

West Ferry is now expected to overhaul its press line-up, including the installation of

Berliner-size presses for the Guardian, which has earmarked 50m to switch to the format.

West Ferry, which also prints the Financial Times, the Star and the Sport, was unavailable for comment as PrintWeek went to press.

*The battle for West Ferry

Nov 2000 Desmond's Northern & Shell buys Express Newspaper Group

Jan 2001 The Telegraph Group launches failed bid to buy out N&S stake

Jun 2002 Desmond rejoins West Ferry board as chairman

Nov 2003 Speculation grows that Hollinger International will sell Telegraph Group

Jan 2004 Desmond launches failed bid to buy out the Telegraph stake

Jul 2004 The Barclays complete 665m deal for the Telegraph Group

31 Aug 2004 Desmond announces that joint venture will continue