Empine Group and Alex Forsyth acquire Blackpool print specialist Printwise

Blackpool-based MCB Print Ltd (trading as Printwise) was acquired by Empine and Alex Forsyth on 24 July 2026.

Founded in 2002 by Mark Booth, Printwise is a long-established large and small format printer that has served clients predominantly in Blackpool and across the Fylde coast. Founder Mark Booth will retire, ending more than two decades at the helm of the business. The purchase price has not been disclosed. 

The acquisition will result in no immediate changes for customers, with operations continuing as normal and the business will continue trading as Printwise, with designer Andy leading the office and receiving support from Alex Forsyth, Anthony Taylor and Jacob Knowles.

This is the second acquisition made by directors Alex, Anthony and Jacob in the last 12 months, following the acquisition of Forsyth and Steele, another Blackpool-based production facility.  

Jacob Knowles, business director for Empine Group, said: “This acquisition is another exciting step forward for us as a group adding additional resource and customers to our already growing list. The business compliments Forsyth and Steele perfectly, with location, production capabilities and staff capability. 

"The excitement comes from the potential we see in an already well-run, established and profitable company then is going to benefit from the new investments we have already made across the group.”