A Bradford-based specialist packaging design company has been sold to a US-based global marketing and print group for an undisclosed sum.

Professional Packaging Services, based at Esholt, has been acquired by Chicago-based InnerWorkings.

PPS boss Simon Bell, who is staying on as general manager, said it would be ‘business as usual’.

Founded in 1979 by former Fields sales manager Brian Bell, the business was bought by Simon from his father in 2007.

It has grown over the past 34 years and specialises in bespoke gift and presentation packaging. It works for several leading drinks companies including Scotch whisky and champagne producers, and has a client list including Boots, Harrods, Bollinger, Edrington and Thorntons.

It operates an office in Hong Kong and has broken into the Russian market through its relationship with Bacardi.

Last year the company, which has a turnover of more than £5 million, invested around £650,000 in expanding into a larger base in rural Esholt to meet growing global demand for its services.

It acquired and renovated Home Farm, a series of Grade II listed buildings which were officially opened by Shipley MP Philip Davies.

The firm previously operated at Albion Mills, Greengates, and before that in Guiseley.

The company focuses on the construction of packaging and works with a network of manufacturing partners throughout the UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East.

Simon Bell said: “Over the years we’ve built up a strong reputation for innovation and design standards and offer clients a one-stop shop for the construction elements of specialist packaging.

“We are a debt-free business and have enjoyed steady growth in recent years despite the current economic climate.

“We are excited to join forces with InnerWorkings I have no doubt that both companies will benefit greatly from each other’s expertise, global contacts and worldwide manufacturing network. Although we will be operating under the InnerWorkings banner, I can assure clients it will be business as usual.”

Simon Dipple, UK managing director of InnerWorkings, said: “PPS has a strong reputation for creating luxury packaging solutions. We look forward to integrating them into the InnerWorkings family."

InnerWorkings Inc is the leading, global provider of managed print services for a range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and small and medium businesses.

The company, which turned over $800m last year, has bought PPS as part of its strategy to expand its business in Europe and the UK.

Following the deal, PPS will continue to operate in its current form under the InnerWorkings umbrella.

InnerWorkings entered the UK in May, 2008, when it acquired Solihull-based print management and marketing firm Etrinsic. The latest acquisition is the company’s first move into the packaging manufacturing in the UK.