Ebb Paper managing director Tim Elliott said the Littlehampton office of York & Ford was a perfect fit geographically.

This acquisition further strengthens our position as the UKs leading independent paper supplier, he said.

Elliott intimated that the independent paper merchanting company would continue to pursue similar opportunities for growth in the sector.

The purchase marked the companys first acquisition since its bought Howard Davies Paper in 1999.

Ebb Paper acquired the Littlehampton outlet of York & Ford from the branchs administrative receivers, PricewaterhouseCooper.

All 15 jobs at the Littlehampton branch would now be saved, and Elliott was keen to point out that Ebb while taking on the assets of the Littlehampton office had not taken on board its liabilities.

There were no planned redundancies, nor would there be any integration into other local Ebb branches.

In a sideswipe at the merchanting opposition in the region, Ebb sales director Chris Sandwell said the introduction of Ebb into the Sussex offices
would now give customers a local independent choice especially bearing in mind that two other merchants in the area are now owned by the same company, he said.

The addition of the Littlehampton office extends Ebb Papers sales offices to seven, covering the south-east and south-west of England.

Ebb Paper employs 180 staff and has a turnover of 65m.

Story by Andy Scott