AN EAST Lancashire legal firm has advised a long standing client on the acquisition of a Manchester based printers.

Farleys Solicitors advised Tamla Holdings Ltd, the holding company of Ward Knowles Ltd, on the purchase of Armin & Butler (Printers) Ltd.

Ward Knowles was founded in 1904 and operates from an 80,000 square foot site in Oswaldtwistle, employing 135 people. It has an established reputation as a business forms printer and has recently established a colour reproduction division.

Armin & Butler, in Openshaw, Manchester, has 30 years experience in the production of fine colour work and employs 25 people. Paul Greasley, Armin & Butler’s controlling shareholder, has become a director and shareholder of Tamla Holdings.

Tony Scott, Ward Knowles’ sales and marketing director, believes the acquisition will create a combined turnover of £15 million. He said: “These are very exciting times for everyone involved with both Ward Knowles and Armin & Butler.

This acquisition puts the business into the premier league of B2 colour print businesses, and the addition of a new ten colour press means that we will have two of the fastest sheet fed presses in the country.”

Farleys Solicitors partners Debbie King and Ian Liddle advised Ward Knowles on the corporate and commercial property aspects of the acquisition. Farleys also advised Ward Knowles on an MBO in 2000 and the acquisition of Print Art & Design Services Limited (PADS) in 2004.

PADS director Clive Hastie was made a director and shareholder of the Ward Knowles Group in 2004. Haynes Streets Investments Ltd, which is controlled by Clive, has acquired Armin & Butler’s building and is leasing it back to Ward Knowles.

Debbie King said: “Ward Knowles has experienced significant expansion since the management buyout in 2000 and this latest acquisition highlights the ambitions of the management team as they aim to become one of the North West’s leading printers.”

Chris Poston at Royce Peeling Green in Manchester provided accountancy advice to Ward Knowles.

To speak with a Farleys Solicitor that specialises in Management Buy Outs, Company Take-Overs or the Transfer of a Business please contact us by e-mail or call us now on 0845 287 0939.