Book Printer's MD Leads Buy-Out

Biddles, the Kings Lynn (UK) book printing company established in 1885, is to be bought from its parent Baird Group by a team lead by its managing director, Rod Willett.

Biddles, the Kings Lynn (UK) book printing company established in 1885, is to be bought from its parent Baird Group by a team lead by its managing director, Rod Willett.

Speaking following the announcement, Roy Bailie of the Baird Group said that for some time, Rod Willett had been interested in acquiring a stake in Biddles and as he was the driving force behind the business, the Baird Group was happy to facilitate his ambitions.

Bailie said: "Biddles has a strong reputation in the business and Rod is a first class MD.

As a mark of my confidence in the future of company, I am happy to retain a substantial shareholding in Biddles." Willett, who rejoined Biddles last year from Cambridge University Press, said he was delighted at the genuine support and enthusiasm he has received from staff at Biddles.

"This is a great opportunity for the company.

Biddles has gone through many changes in its colourful 120 year history and this marks a new chapter not only for the business but also for the staff and me.

I am looking forward to the challenge.

I am confident that we will build on our past successes and I am planning additional investment for the business.

I am happy that Roy Bailie remains a significant shareholder in Biddles and we look forward to continuing what has been a very successful partnership," said Willett.

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