Wide-format printer First2Print in Sunderland has been acquired by Precision Printing in a move that sees the major narrow-format digital player expand significantly into the wide-format space.

Precision will use its new controlling stake, signed on November 17th, to apply its experience in web-to-print, workflow automation and cross-media to First2Print's wide-format arsenal. In the works is YourWalls.com, a personalised wallpaper service that will launch in January, as well as WhereTheTradeBuys.com.

Managing director Martyn Young and operations director Donna Young at First2Print will continue in their roles as they look to steer the business towards growth. In the coming six months, the company plans to double the size of the Sunderland base to 4,267sq m （14,000sq ft） and invest in more digital machines, starting with an HP Indigo 7500.

"The dynamic team at First2Print have been very successful and are operating in two key strategic markets we have been looking to move into for sometime wide format printing and on-line as well as the new disruptive wall art offering," comments Gary Peeling. "First2Print's expertise will allow us to be able to provide a market leading wide format and display solution to our existing clients from day one with no learning curve.

"Our automated print-on-demand capability will be used to support the growth of the online business WhereTheTradeBuys.com. Development of this business will allow better utilisation of our facilities all year round without any conflict with our existing integrated B2B2C customers."

The company also revealed that 2015 will see the launch of YourWalls.com, its new platform for the B2C market and creatives, to create and print wall graphics on-demand. Furthermore, the company will seek to refresh its WhereTheTradeBuys.com site for with a new line of products. "

We have achieved a great deal in recent years but this deal will provide the product range, resources and support for significant growth and to secure significant market share," submits Martyn Young. "The on-line print market in the UK still holds significant opportunity and we believe we have found a special approach at WhereTheTradeBuys.com."