Two well-known North East entrepreneurs are planning to build on the long-standing reputation of a specialist regional print and design firm after acquiring it for an undisclosed sum.
Richard and Julie Bennett, the founders of Derwentside Environmental Testing and former owners of Gateshead Football Club, have purchased Newcastle Print Solutions (NPS) from Adam and Ruth Brenner.
The sale was brought about by the Brenners’ plans to move south to be closer to their children, but Adam is set to remain involved with the business, helping to build its presence in London and the South East.
The remainder of NPS’s 12-strong workforce have also all stayed in place, and new jobs are expected to be created as the business expands, most especially in the healthcare, digital marketing and archiving sectors.
Gosforth-based RMT Accountants and Business Advisors brought the purchasers and vendors together and advised the Brenners on the disposal, while Mincoffs Solicitors LLP provided their legal advice.
Clive Owen LLP and Peter Millican Law worked with the Bennetts on their side of the acquisition.
The Brenners originally purchased the existing Prontaprint franchise in Collingwood Street Newcastle in 1997 but have operated as an independent business since 2011 from the company’s premises on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate.
Its services crystallise around its brand management software ‘Brand Sentinel’ (www.brandsentinel. co.uk) which has been developed to offer multisite companies brand control of their printed and promotional collaterals.
NPS covers all aspects of print and design, including lithographic & digital printing, graphic design, exhibition & display materials, direct mail, web design and promotional items.
It also offers a scanning and archiving service, enabling clients to free up valuable office space that is currently used for storing old documentation by digitising their records. Adam Brenner says: “NPS has evolved out of all recognition over the last two decades, but our success has always been based on the same principles of identifying and providing what customers need to meet their individual objectives. “Many of our staff have been with the company for as long as we have, and it was an essential part of the sale process that we found buyers who recognised and valued their ongoing importance to the business’s success.
“We wanted to pass the business on to people who saw the potential for further growth, and in Richard and Julie, we think we’ve found the perfect buyers. “RMT’s and Mincoffs’ advice and support all the way through the sale process was excellent, and I’m looking forward to seeing the business continue to develop from a different vantage point.”
Richard Bennett adds: “We’ve been looking to buy an established business with growth potential to realise, and NPS was the perfect prospect. After being introduced to Adam by RMT, we quickly established a positive relationship that helped the sale process go forward smoothly.
“There are a lot of parallels between the commercial expertise that Julie and I have built up over the years and the systems-driven environment at NPS. Our aim is to use our experience to further enhance the ways in which the business operates.
“The teams at Peter Millican Law and Clive Owen LLP have provided us with vital support, which was invaluable in progressing to completion of the same and gaining a positive outcome for all parties.”
Michael Cantwell, head of corporate finance at RMT Accountants, says: “We felt that there was a strong synergy between both parties’ objectives and are very pleased to have helped both the Brenners and Bennetts get what they were looking for.”
Paul Hughes, senior partner and head of corporate at Mincoffs, adds: “Adam and Ruth have been long standing clients of the firm. We were delighted to act for them on the sale of NPS and help them in making their plans for the future a reality. We wish them and the Bennetts the best of luck.”
Jabad Jaigirdar, partner at Peter Millican Law, says: “The team here at Peter Millican Law carried out a detailed review of NPS to give our clients a comprehensive understanding of the company prior to purchase. Richard and Julie will now bring their vast experience in many business sectors to the running of NPS, and we’re delighted to have worked with them towards a timely and successful completion of this deal.”
David Wilson, corporate finance associate director at Clive Owen LLP, adds: “NPS is a long-established business with an excellent reputation. Combine this with Richard and Julie’s proven track record in creating and growing successful businesses and it’s a great fit. As valued clients of the firm, we wish Richard and Julie all the very best and look forward to working with them in the future.”
NPS pic two
www.callnps.co.uk