Skipton Building Society today announced the completion of a deal to secure a controlling interest in a Bradford-based marketing firm.

The unexpected move means the country's eighth largest building society is now the majority shareholder in EuroDirect Database Marketing Limited.

EuroDirect currently employs 29 people from a single office in Baptist Place, Bradford. Its clients include Royal Mail, Thomas Cook and Express Newspapers.

The financial details of the deal have not been released but, commenting on the acquisition today, Skipton chief executive John Goodfellow said: "We have, yet again, created an exciting opportunity to invest our capital wisely and to ensure our growing presence within the financial services and direct marketing arenas.

"Skipton prides itself on the excellence of its products and services. EuroDirect has earned a reputation based upon the same principles, so we are of course delighted to be able to welcome yet another quality company to our group."

EuroDirect was set up in 1991 and is now regarded as a market leading supplier. Its range of products and services include the development of marketing and information databases and marketing information systems.

Michael Green, chairman of EuroDirect, said: "We are delighted to become a part of the Skipton Group as this move adds a new depth of maturity to our business. We will continue to deliver exciting national and international products to maintain the rapid growth of our business.

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