A children's book publisher is opening a new chapter in business life, thanks to help from Kent corporate finance experts.

Picthall and Gunzi has been sold to Award Publications of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. EMC Corporate Finance, Maidstone, completed the sale for an undisclosed sum.

Picthall and Gunzi has a catalogue of more than 320 titles suitable for babies from three months to children up to the age of eight. Directors Chez Picthall and Christiane Gunzi will work with Award to continue to develop the range.

Award Publications has been publishing picture books, storybooks, novelty and activity books since 1972 and exports to more than 70 countries. Its catalogue includes the widest range of Enid Blyton titles worldwide.

EMC's Alasdair Smith, pictured right, said: "We were able to complete the deal within a fairly short timescale which seemed to suit everyone. Chez and Christiane have since told us how pleased they are with the outcome, saying that we performed a minor miracle by selling successfully in a very difficult market."

Anna Wilkinson, managing director of Award Publications, paid tribute to EMC's work. She said: "Thank you for your help and occasional intervention to ensure successful completion. I very much appreciated your patience and good-natured resolve throughout the process and hope that over time, this acquisition will pay back our investment."