Henderson Group buys local print company

The Henderson Group has announced its acquisition of a neighbouring print company, Dargan Press Limited.

Henderson Wholesale Ltd, which is part of the Mallusk-based Henderson Group, announced the deal on Thursday, saying Dargan Press will merge with the wholesale’s subsidiary company, Henderson Print.

Staff were notified on Thursday morning and will transfer to Henderson Wholesale employment from Monday 15 February.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Henderson Print has been trading for more than 40 years, employs 16 staff, and will relocate from its current Hightown Avenue premises to the Dargan site on Michelin Road.

A major grocery wholesaler, Henderson Group is best known for operating the Spar, Eurospar and Vivo brands.

A spokesperson for the company said the move will begin over the coming months.

Dargan Press has traded since 1981 and finished 2015 with a turnover of £1.5m.

After over 50 years in the Lithographic Printing business Mr Richard Traynor, the founding owner, decided to sell the company in order to pursue other business interests.

Speaking about the deal, Henderson Group’s financial director Ron Whitten said the purchase will enhance their range of print services, and attract new business.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to build on the successful operation Richard has developed over previous years, to retain the business in local ownership and further secure the future of its operations,” he said.

“There are many synergies between the two businesses and we have no doubt that by combining resources we will be well positioned to provide an even better and more competitive offering to both existing and new print customers.”

The acquisition follows Henderson Group’s £25 million investment in a new build at its HQ site in Mallusk.