‘dhgraphics’, a design and printing company established for over twenty one years in Colchester, has changed ownership after a management buyout by two of its senior employees. New owners Simon Prosser and Geoff Durkin completed their purchase from founder of the company, David Holland at the beginning of the month (3 May). They received legal advice from solicitors Thompson Smith & Puxon, who helped co-ordinate the deal.

“I’ve been told that I am quite young to do an MBO, but with my vast experience in design, production and sales I believe that we can take dhgraphics to another level. We are grateful to the commercial team at Thompson Smith & Puxon who helped make it all happen. We are also grateful to David Holland for the opportunity to buy the business - we have a firm base of clients to develop from” said Simon Prosser.

dhgraphics was set up by David Holland in 1984 as a typesetters and evolved with the advance of computer aided design and print processing. Approaching retirement, David decided to step back from the business and asked Simon Prosser, aged 32, who joined the business five years ago, if he would take over the reigns. Simon joined forces with the company’s sales manager, Geoff Durkin, to buy the business.

Simon joined dhgraphics in 2000 after seven years working for the leading point-of-sale manufacturers in Europe, Kesslers International Ltd, where he worked on design and sales for top blue chip clients such as Mars Confectionary, Swatch Watches and Pepsi International Co. Prior to joining Kesslers, Simon had been in the print and design industry since leaving school and had worked as a litho planner and studio manager.

Geoff Durkin joined fifteen months ago as an Account Executive after a career in print management and sales including nineteen years with Dudley Stationery. Geoff has been involved and instrumental in implementing various customer service and quality initiatives.

The commercial law team (photographed above) at Thompson Smith & Puxon that co-ordinated the MBO comprised Mary Anne Fedeyko, Partner and solicitor Sumaira Choudary.

Other advisers on the deal were Griffin Chapman, Whittle & Co and
Lloyds TSB Colchester.