Wyndeham is poised to continue its growth after winning new contracts to print 42m magazines a year.


The bulk of the figure is one deal to produce 27m magazines for a "major publisher" that chief executive Bryan Bedson refused to name. But a source told PrintWeek the client was a contract publisher.


Sources suggested the deal could involve new titles that WH Smith planned to launch through John Brown Publishing.


ET Heron also won contracts for another 15m magazines for titles including The Lawyer, Investors Week, New Media Age and Nursing Standard. Heron will also print Future Publishing's new monthly title, Official PlayStation 2.


Wyndeham reported a 9% increase in pre-tax profits to 6.6m for the six months ending 30 September. Turnover grew 18% to 59.3m, and the group's gearing increased from 58% to 86% after it financed the 15.6m acquisition of Print Direct through
borrowings.


The magazine division accounted for 70% of Wyndeham's turnover, but Bedson said prices were tight. "Some people are undercutting, which doesn't do the industry much good."


CTP systems will be installed throughout the group in the coming months, the first of which is being commissioned at Heron.


Bedson said Wyndeham was "always seeking acquisitions. There's a lot offered but a lot is a waste of time."


Riverside Packaging appears increasingly likely to be sold after the group said it continued to "explore strategic options".


Story by Gordon Carson