A printing company has been snapped up in a deal which will create the largest independent document technology business in the UK.

Balreed, which has its head office in Maidstone, has been bought by Apogee Corporation, the fastest-growing print solution firm in the industry, with 19 offices across the country and a European headquarters in France.

The Kent firm, which has eight UK offices, has driven its turnover to more than £40 million this year, providing businesses with print and document hardware and software from manufacturers like Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Kyocera and Xerox.

The merger gives the combined companies, which will trade under the Apogee brand, a run-rate turnover of over £150 million.

Balreed founder and managing director Robin Stanton-Gleaves will join the Apogee board as joint chief executive, while marketing director Gary Downey will keep his role.

Mr Stanton-Gleaves said: “The two organisations share many values and a commitment to delivering superior levels of service.

“The pro-active managed services we have developed will remain a key focus for the new enlarged Apogee group, playing a critical role in our future growth, and giving us the scale and reach to become the number one independent choice for managed services in the UK and across Europe.”

Apogee co-founder and executive director Jason Collins will also become joint chief executive, while fellow co-founder Barry Ferdinand will become a non-executive director.

Mr Collins said: “This is a very exciting acquisition for Apogee, and is a significant development in our growth plans.

“Balreed is an excellent business with a trusted name throughout the UK. We are delighted to bring their clients and staff into the Apogee group and are very much looking forward to leveraging the synergies and best of breed from both organisations.”

Balreed employs about 220 people, of which about 75 are based in the Maidstone office in 20/20 Business Park.