York-based stationery wholesalers J A Magson claims to be the UK's largest distributor of stationery, toys, cards and gift wrap, following its latest acquisition.

The family-owned business, based at Clifton Moor, has bought S&E Distributors from Johnston Press Plc.

It will now trade from nine showrooms and distribution centres, from Middlesbrough to Sussex.

Turnover has now reached £25 million, and the firm will supply to almost 10,000 shops, including several multiple retailers.

Managing director Nick Magson said: "At a time when the retail sector is going through massive change, we came to the conclusion that the only way forward was to expand.

The expansion has allowed the firm to maximise its use of information technology, streamline its management process and step up its buying, marketing and selling.

Ian Magson has recently joined the company to take on the role of sales director. The firm, which employs about 50 at its York base, said the acquisition did not have any job implications.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.