One of Helston's oldest firms has been taken over in a deal that is set to build on the success of an already flourishing business.

Brewers Business Solutions has merged with Plymouth-based Martin Luck Ltd to form one of the largest office supplies, furniture and print distributors in the UK.

No jobs will be lost at the Helston site and the Brewers name, which has been trading for 170 years, will be retained.

The new partnership, which employs 140 staff in the South West and has a turnover of £15 million, will cover an area from Penzance to the Midlands.

David Rogers, the previous owner of Brewers Business Solutions, said the merger was the best way to safeguard jobs and allow the firm to move forward in an increasingly competitive market. He said: "Martin and I have been competitors for many years but we have always had a mutual respect for each other. With my plans for retirement this merger was by far the best scenario for us both and the 40 very loyal staff I have in Helston.

"The new combined group will be stronger and whilst I will continue to work for the next few years in the print division from our Helston site, Martin will now lead us forward."

Mr Rogers, who joined Brewers 35 years ago as an accounts clerk and worked his way up to managing director, added: "We live in an extremely competitive world but our customers will still be able to use a local company who will be able to compete with the international forces.

"All of our staff are retained and there is a real feeling of excitement within the office as they look forward to the future."

Letters have been sent out to Brewers' customers informing them of the merger.

In the letter, Mr Rogers states that the firm intends to invest in new equipment to help develop the print department into a much larger organisation. He adds that increased buying powers will mean the firm can offer customers better terms.

Established in 1836, Brewers was previously based in Brewers Court, off Meneage Street, and later at the Atlantic fishing tackle premises in Wendron Street, before moving to its current site on the Water-ma-Trout industrial estate.

Last year the company had to make three people redundant after Cornwall county council - a m ajor customer - signed a supply deal with French company Lyreco. Brewers was one of several Cornish businesses that lost out as a result of the deal.

The firm, which employs over 40 people, has an annual turnover of £5 million.