The company has acquired large-format and digital specialist Professional Imaging, doubling the turnover of its Colourlink business to £3m.

WVC chief executive Mick Tooley had hinted at acquisitions in the "pipeline" when the group was formed from an MBO last month, but said these would be "more strategic than about volume".

Professional Imaging will retain managing director Dave Pimlott, but the business will be integrated into WVC's Colourlink business, both of which operate out of the same business park at Witham in Essex.

Colourlink sales director Stephen Miles said: "We've worked with [Professional Imaging] for quite a few years now. Most of their work is outdoor, so there's no real crossover. It gives us the opportunities to sell more services to our customers."

Tooley said the buy "represents a key part of our growth strategy for the Retail Graphics division of our group".

"Both companies have common manufacturing technologies, but operate mainly in different sectors of the large-format digital markets.

"The new company will, therefore, be able to supply all the main sectors of the market and provide an excellent platform for future growth."

Colourlink staff will move across to the Professional Imaging site, bringing the staff count to around 50. Miles said there would be no redundancies because of the transaction.

Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed although Miles said that the buy would be booked into next year's results as the company's financial year ends in December.