Hong Kong-based group acquires specialist Yorkshire publisher
Tailormade Design, a Bradford-based greeting card and paper product publisher, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Hong Kong-based Sandbox Group.
The group, established by Cris and Greg Holmes, comprises Sandbox Industries, Pinecone Design Ltd and Tailormade Design Ltd, which continues to operate under the rebranded Tailormade Creative Design Ltd.
Tailormade Design Ltd, established in 2001, is a specialist publisher of own brand greeting cards and paper products, including stationery, gift wrap and gift bags, working with retailers around the globe, from design to distribution.
Its existing team will remain with the new company to drive the business forward.
Group production capabilities, both in the UK and the Far East, have grown both organically and through acquisition over the years.
Sandbox says significant investment will be made into both the existing facilities, design services and staff development as well as branding.
Sandbox CEO, Greg Holmes, said: “We purchased Tailormade Design in order to expand and enhance our portfolio of companies.
“We know the new business will provide the long-term approach we need to secure a positive future – a strong workforce, a business-friendly environment and superb creative, manufacturing, and distribution.
“We believe in the integrity of Tailormade, which has a long and proven track record of providing exquisite quality and design, and we hope to increase the appeal of the company to an even larger international audience.”
Cris Holmes, COO of Sandbox Group, added: “Our track record speaks for itself, producing over 200 million cards a year for many of the major retailers and charities on a global platform.
“We’re proud to provide differentiation in the marketplace, with all our designs created on a bespoke and exclusive basis.”
As well as Hong Kong, the group also has offices in the UK, Canada and China. Its previous acquisition of Pinecone Design Ltd in early 2004 brought it marketing access to the North American retail market.
Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office acted for the seller in the transaction.
