Findel Plc, the home shopping and educational supplies group, is due to tell staff this week about the strategic direction of new acquisition Novara Plc.

Chairman Keith Chapman said: "A detailed timetable for the implementation of this strategy has been agreed by the Board and it is anticipated that this process will be completed by the end of the current financial year.

"This acquisition creates the largest independent educational supplier in the UK and our in depth review confirms our belief that it not only provides an excellent fit with our existing educational business but offers exciting growth potential."

He said the first three months of trading in the current financial year had been strong with sales 15 per cent ahead of last year's performance.