Print Solutions
GF Smith has announced that is has acquired RK Burt & Co, the leading fine art paper supplier.
The acquisition combines two leading specialist fine paper suppliers operating in different markets and enables both businesses to mutually benefit from combined expertise, warehousing and skilled staff.
‘We are continually challenging ourselves to expand our creative reach and secure our valuable independence. The Fine Art Material sector has always been of interest to GF Smith and we have admired the market leader RK Burt for many years. With this acquisition we are further enhancing our ability to supply the creative world with remarkable products and unsurpassed service,’ said John Haslam, GF Smith joint managing director.
‘We are delighted to announce the acquisition of RK Burt & Co by GF Smith,’ said Clifford Burt, RK Burt & Co managing director.
‘The similarity of corporate culture of these two family run businesses, dating back to the 1800s, along with the high degree of mutual respect with which each company holds the other, made it a straightforward decision.’
Clifford continued, ‘With GF Smith being at the cutting edge of creativity in the design and printing industry, it has been clear for many years that the Fine Art specialisation of RK Burt & Co was a natural fit with its own activities.’
Founded in 1892, RK Burt is a leading London based importer and wholesale distributor of fine art and digital inkjet papers. Offering 125 years expertise to a wide range of market sectors, the company is predominantly a business to business organisation and has a close working relationship with both its retail and wholesale customers.
With a clear focus on delivering the best service alongside the highest quality products, it has a passion for continuing to serve the fine art market with the specialist papers it demands.
RK Burt will continue to operate in its current location as an independent business within GF Smith. Clifford and Richard Burt will remain with the business. Charlotte Couchman will be promoted to director of RK Burt and will join the existing GF Smith senior leadership team. All other staff will retain their current positions.
‘We are excited to work closely with the team at GF Smith in order to exchange expertise and, whilst our focus remains on nurturing our much valued customers, we look forward to exploring opportunities within the fine art material sector,’ said Charlotte Couchman, RK Burt director.
