ASL swoops for Smart Print

Managed office specialist ASL has continued to use acquisition as a means of deepening its portfolio after moving to pick up Smart Print. 

The digital printing equipment supplier was set up in 2003 and comes to ASL with a strong reputation in the managed print world and operates out of Welwyn Garden City. 

ASL will be adding the expertise that Smart Print brings to bolster its efforts to establish itself as the first port of call for users looking for independent advice around printing and office management. 

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Smart Print onboard; its expertise will add significant value to our team," said Mark Garius, managing director of ASL Group. 

"In a growing market we are finding that more and more customers are asking for the availability of choice. As we strive to be the largest independent production print provider in the UK, this acquisition will provide our customers with a host of new benefits, strengthening our position as the go-to supplier," he added. 

Richard Fyson, director of Smart Print, said that the sale to ASL made sense, giving it access to the benefits of being part of a larger operation. 

“ASL’s structure and resources will help to improve the customer experience and grow our reach into the market. We are looking forward to joining forces with the ASL team as we combine our range of services and expertise of the two companies," he said. 

ASL last hit the headlines this summer when it acquired Nottingham-based Reprotec, which had been trading for 38 years with expertise in document management solutions, including the supply and maintenance of colour photocopiers, MFDs and printers. 

Both acquisitions, the details of which were not disclosed, come on the back of ASL landing backing from private equity finance provider, Primary Capital Partners in July. That investment was described at the time as an opportunity for the firm to continue to expand its reach through M&A activity.