TAILORMADE Design, a greeting card and paper product publisher, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Hong Kong-based Sandbox Group.

The Low Moor-based group, established by Cris and Greg Holmes, comprises Sandbox Industries, Pinecone Design and Tailormade Design, which continues to operate under the rebranded Tailormade Creative Design.

The acquisition reinforces Sandbox’s commitment to vertical integration, combining design, manufacturing, quality, and the flexibility in pricing needed to enhance market stability in today’s competitive surroundings.

Tailormade Design, established in 2001, is a specialist publisher of own brand greeting cards and paper products, including stationery, gift wrap and gift bags, working with retailers around the globe, from design to distribution. The existing team will remain with the new company to drive the business forward.

The group production capabilities, both in the UK and the Far East, have grown both organically and through acquisition over the years and meet the highest ethical, quality and environmental standards.

Significant investment will be made into both the existing facilities, design services and staff development as well as branding.

Mr Holmes, Sandbox Group’s chief executive, said: “We purchased Tailormade Design in order to expand and enhance our portfolio of companies.

“We know that the new business will provide the long-term approach we need to secure a positive future – a strong workforce, a business-friendly environment and superb creative, manufacturing, and distribution.

“We believe in the integrity of Tailormade, which has a long and proven track record of providing exquisite quality and design, and we hope to increase the appeal of the company to an even larger international audience.”

Cris Holmes, COO Sandbox Group, added: “Our track record speaks for itself, producing over 200 million cards a year for many of the major retailers and charities on a global platform.

“We’re proud to provide differentiation in the marketplace, with all our designs created on a bespoke and exclusive basis.

“The company focuses intensely on relationship building with its customers, retailers and partners.

“Our international approach offers a global vision of emerging trends, innovative packaging options and new revenue streams which we can continue to offer to our valued customer base.”

The group has offices in the UK, Hong Kong, Canada and China, and the previous acquisition of Pinecone Design Ltd in early 2004 brought marketing access to the North American retail market.