The trustees have proved that there is substance in letting them go on, said Xeikon executive chairman Gino Despeghel.

Despeghel said that there was a growing interest from a number of parties in the black-and-white business, different from those who are interested in the colour side.

Negotiations are continuing for the colour side of the business. The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of March regarding which of the two bidders MAN Roland, and a joint bid from Yam International and Alpha Capital will be successful.

* Equita, a subsidiary of the Capita Group, has installed a Xeikon 7000 monochrome digital press to replace older sheetfed digital printers at its Northampton head office. The company, which prints 20,000-30,000 pages per day estimates that cost savings over a five-year period will be over 200,000.

Story by Andy Scott