A greeting card publisher has bought a rival firm for an undisclosed sum after its owner decided to retire.

Ling Design, which has had its headquarters in Paddock Wood since 1983, has acquired Saffron Cards and Gifts, based in Surrey.

The deal is the second takeover by the company since it was bought by Swanley-based paper manufacturer Swan Mill Paper Company three years ago.

Saffron chief executive Paul Steele said it had been a difficult decision to retire but added he "could not be happier that it is Ling Design that has taken over Saffron".

Ling Design managing director Alessandro Arosio said: "When Paul approached us we knew that adding the Saffron range to Ling Design made absolute sense.

"Both are dedicated to excellence in design and service and Saffron will bring an added dimension to our collections, and also form a valuable asset in the growth of the Ling Design parent company."

Swan Mill chief executive David Byk added: "It is only three years since we purchased Ling and it has proven to be a fantastic decision."