Part of one of the county's oldest firms has been acquired by a major nationwide company.

Geerings Digital, which is the managed print operation of the Ashford-based company - has been sold to the ASL Group.

It is unclear if any jobs are at risk - although the new owners insists it will retain a base in the town to ensure its presence in the region is "maintained and grown".

Geerings is the longest standing company in the office services market, having been founded in 1903.

Initially focusing on print, it has diversified over the years and today supplies printers, photocopiers and managed print services to the commercial and education sectors across the south east.

ASL is the largest independent managed office services suppliers in the UK. It acquired ICA Digital, in Surrey, in February.

Will Geering, chairman and joint managing director of the firm, said: “Geerings made the decision to focus their efforts on our other business areas and after entering a process, we chose ASL as we felt that the company cultures were aligned.

"The management of Geerings were very keen to ensure that Geerings Digital continued to prosper under the new management whilst still maintaining the excellent customer service that they have become renowned for across all their businesses. We firmly believe that our customers will see positive benefits from the change and will welcome the additional services that the combined group can offer.”

Mr Geering is the grandson of the firm's founder, Walter Geering.

The management of Geerings were very keen to ensure that Geerings Digital continued to prosper under the new management

Geerings Digital staff will join the ASL team, taking the company’s total turnover to over £27m and headcount to over 140 employees.

Mark Garius, managing director of ASL, said: “Geerings Digital is a long-standing business that has an excellent reputation and has built a loyal customer base in the south of England which adds strength and depth to our coverage in those areas.

"We chose Geerings Digital carefully because of their fit with ASL – particularly their high standards and commitment to customer service. We are retaining a base in Ashford as we recognise that their strong presence in the area needs to be maintained and grown. ASL are looking at further acquisition opportunities as part of our plan to grow significantly over the coming years.”