Founded in 1969 with a staff of two, the privately owned business is an established provider of quality print, graphic design and promotional merchandise throughout Scotland. The company, who employ 20 personnel, have experienced exceptional growth with a £1.5 million turnover in 2007 and a 48 per cent increase in sales in the last eight months.

Northeast Creative, privately owned by Bob Gentle, is also Aberdeenshire based, providing a range of new media services to clients in and around the North east.

The acquisition will enhance Minto's position as a leader in the creative marketing solutions sector, enabling them to offer an integrated service to local clients as well as providing a service nationally.

Minto Director Billy Thomson said: "We are continually looking to understand and meet the needs of new and existing clients and in light of this have been on the acquisition trail for some time now.

"Recognising the growing importance of new media activity for businesses, we wanted to capitalise on the opportunity to both grow the company and provide a service that will be valued by our clients and is complementary to our existing business.

"We have worked with Northeast Creative previously and know that as a local, privately owned business, we share the same values in terms of the service we provide to our clients.

"The acquisition provides us with the infrastructure to develop and deliver a comprehensive and professional corporate package for our clients. Equally, the integration of Northeast Creative into Minto opens up a wealth of new business opportunities, something I believe will allow us to sustain the level of growth we have enjoyed in the last eight months."

Managing Director of Northeast Creative, Bob Gentle will become New Media Director for Minto and joins the board of directors.

Mr Gentle said: "I have worked closely with Minto for a number of years and hold the company in the highest regard so I am unquestionably delighted to have joined forces. I believe this is the first step in what has been a natural progression for both companies."