Acquisition marks new chapter for luxury book specialist

Bluetree Group, parent company of Route 1 Print, instantprint and Bluetree Medical, has completed its acquisition of South Yorkshire luxury books specialist Kingsbury Press.

Kingsbury Press will be incorporated into Rotherham-based Bluetree Group’s brands, with the existing team retained to continue driving the luxury books and publishing work.

Kingsbury Press’s Doncaster-based 60,000 sq ft site comes with a B2 Heidelberg Speedmaster XL75, a B1 Heidelberg Speedmaster CX102 and a host of finishing equipment capable of producing luxury brochures and booklets for a selection of high-end clients across the UK and the US.

With the additional equipment, Bluetree Group intends to use the deal to bolster its existing product range across its Route 1 Print and instantprint brands and has long-term plans to expand its existing booklet options and add new finishing types not currently available within the existing range.

Bluetree Co-CEO, Adam Carnell, said: “This is a huge day for Bluetree Group. Not only are we able to offer a wider booklet and brochure offering than ever before to our clients, our businesses coming together creates a wealth of opportunities in the business for our teams to grow and learn to utilise new technologies.

“We are committed to continuing to drive Kingsbury Press forward and working with their existing clients whilst opening the offering up to our reseller audience.

“The team at Kingsbury have created an incredible business dedicated to ‘The Art of Print’.

“They will add a wealth of knowledge and experience to our business and we are delighted to invite all 37 colleagues to the Bluetree family.”

The acquisition brings Bluetree close to a 700-strong team across its print & medical divisions.

For Bluetree Group, Duncan Reid, Jemil Visram and Rosie Roof of Weightmans LLP advised on the transaction.

Reid, partner at Weightmans LLP, said: “Bluetree Group is one of the fastest growing companies in the UK.

“This important acquisition marks the next step along its impressive evolution, complementing its existing brands as well as bringing new services to its customers.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with them on this part of their journey.”

Chloë Ellis and Jon Capper, of Mazars, provided tax due diligence, and Martin Athey, Mathew Oldfield and Alison Barnes of BHP provided financial due diligence and SPA Advisory support.

Jonathan Asquez, Amy Pierechod and Matt Watson of Gordons, and Jason Whitworth, James Fieldhouse and Eleanor Fearne of BDO LLP acted for Kingsbury Press.

Asquez, partner at Gordons, said: “The team at Gordons is pleased to have supported the shareholders of Kingsbury Press and we look forward to seeing the business go from strength-to-strength in the next stage of its journey.”

Jason Whitworth, partner at BDO LLP, said: “The shareholders of Kingsbury Press will be delighted to watch the business flourish under its new ownership, where the technology and expertise built up over many years will have new opportunities to contribute to the exciting and fast-growing Bluetree Group environment.”