Leaflet marketing specialist EAE has announced that from 1 March 2007, as part of its strategic approach to the delivery of direct media in Scotland, it will expand its leaflet marketing operation through the acquisition of the leaflet distribution division of Promotional Print Distributors (PPD), based in Perth.

EAE’s managing director, Glen Bennett, said: “This is a positive and innovative step in the increasingly harmonious partnership between the two companies.”

In the past five years, having previously been competitors, EAE and PPD have worked together on major campaigns for Historic Scotland, the Scottish Parliament, Dewar’s Whisky and Stirling District Tourism.

Discussions about this new expansion, which will create the largest leaflet marketing company in Scotland, have taken place over the past nine months, with both companies keen to see a more effective and strategic approach to leaflet distribution in Scotland.

PPD will continue to operate its storage division and fulfilment services including the popular ‘Bags of Info for Kids’ and the new ‘Bags of Info for Self-Caterers’.

PPD’s chief executive, Roger Brown, will take up a new post as development director at EAE while continuing to work for PPD as a consultant.

In welcoming the changes, he said: “PPD and EAE have established a close working relationship over a number of years and this step is a natural one for both of us.

“We would like to reassure our clients that there will be complete continuity of service, operations and staff, with all existing contracts fulfilled as normal.”

All staff will be retained and offered positions in the new company. Re-branding of display units and other materials and equipment will be phased in over the next few months and should be complete by the end of the year.