Pictured above: (l-r) Ruth Coleridge, Hawkins Hatton, James Barwell, Hussleworks, Nic Beales, Dudley Print and Tony Seaton, Blue Sky Corporate Finance

Two well established Black Country printing firms have joined forces in a merger overseen by Dudley based corporate law firm Hawkins Hatton.

Dudley Print, based in Netherton, and Husselworks, which operates from Halesowen, have merged to create a more efficient and streamline operation.

The combined business will be able to offer a more comprehensive service to clients covering both short-run digital printing applications and the more complex, larger print processes and runs.

The new structure within the company, which employs 10 staff, has sales and design operating out of Halesowen and print production handled from the Netherton plant.

The owners James Barwell of Hussleworks and Nic Beales of Dudley Print will be joint directors and shareholders of the new business.

"We have been courting each other for some time, so you could say it's been a very long engagement before the marriage," commented James.

Colin Rodrigues, corporate partner at Hawkins Hatton was responsible for advising the directors on the structure of the new business, including all TUPE undertakings with staff.

"The combined business will bring about a number of efficiencies, but importantly it will enable the company to offer a much broader range of printing and design services to clients across the region," said Colin Rodrigues. Tony Seaton of Blue Sky Corporate Finance Limited, the lead corporate finance advisor, said "What will emerge from the amalgamation of the two companies is a stronger company that will be capable of competing on more levels with their larger regional competitors."  

For more information about Hawkins Hatton, please visit their website here: www.hawkinshatton.co.uk