THE future of one of Kidderminster's oldest printing businesses looks bright after its management staged an eleventh-hour buy out.

The move has secured 110 Worcestershire jobs at GT Cheshire & Sons Ltd.

Cheshire's deputy managing director Brian Wilson, who has been with the printing and office supplier for more than 30 years, has become managing director of the new firm.

He will be joined on the board by works director Alan Watts and sales director Ray Bignell.

"This is a sound business with a strong, local heritage," said Mr Wilson.

"In spite of mounting speculation as to the future of the business, our workforce has shown remarkable dedication and the management team looks forward to working with them to secure the company's long-term future."

The printing firm, which boasts an annual turnover of £9m, was acquired for an undisclosed sum.

The company has been based in Coventry Street for the past 60 years. Since its launch in 1836, it has traded from various sites in the town.

Its main business is providing direct mail solutions, but it also offers other companies based in the Midlands a managed supply of office equipment, based on internet sales.

Paul Bennett, corporate partner at Cradley Heath law firm George Green, headed the panel of advisers who worked with Cheshire's management.

Ken Bartlett, of Kidderminster-based Horwath Clark Whitehill, provided the accounts, while funding came from the HSBC branch, also in Kidderminster.

"The team's advisers were very much a local team," said Mr Bennett.

"We're all delighted to have helped secure the future of such a prominent, local business."