Annodata buys print specialist STS in multi-million pound deal

Wetherby-based STS will be fully integrated into Annodata as part of the takeover from former parent group UTI.

STS provides print services to over 90 per cent of the regional press. The merger will take Annodata’s headcount to 400 staff and boost revenues to £80m.

Peter Langstaff, founder and managing director of STS, and the company’s current staff will remain in situ as part of the combined company.

Since launching in 1997, STS has grown to provide services in the legal, financial, housing and media sectors. Key clients include Yorkshire Post Newspaper Group, Newsquest, Localworld, Trinity Mirror and Archant.

Mr Langstaff said customers will benefit from the additional resources and capabilities available to STS through merging with Annodata.

He said: “Annodata has a long history of making acquisitions, so I have every confidence that the integration of STS will be smooth and I look forward to working closely with the team to move the business forward.”

Annodata chairman Martin St Quinton said Annodata has “great synergy” with STS, in light of the firms’ long-standing customers and sector specialities.

Martin Frost, director at Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, and Daniel Sowden, partner at BHP chartered accountants, advised UTI on the sale.

Mr Frost said the deal is a “fantastic success story” for Mr Langstaff and his team. “It is a substantial deal which we were able to complete at breakneck speed. From our initial briefing it was signed sealed and delivered within a month,” he said.

Mr Sowden added: “STS is a great Yorkshire company and it has been a pleasure working with Peter to help him to achieve his goals.”