Shareholders of Bradford-based ISA International have given the green light to a multi-million pound take-over involving the UK's second largest wholesale stationer, bringing months of speculation to an end.

The deal, initially worth £29 million, will see Europe's largest distributor of computer consumables purchase Atapco (UK) Ltd - the holding company for John Heath and Co Ltd.

Shareholders voted in favour of the acquisition at an Extraordinary General Meeting held yesterday at ISA's UK headquarters in Rawdon.

ISA already has a major wholesale outlet at Eldon Place, Manningham and this transaction will add a further £100 million to the current group turnover - which stands at more than £250 million.

The take-over will firmly establish the ISA group as one of the leading European suppliers of a whole range of products for the office. Following completion of the deal John Heath and Co will continue to operate as a stand-alone business.

The decision taken by shareholders to back the deal has ended months of speculation in the industry after ISA announced it was on the verge of a major acquisition.

Richard Lindley, ISA's Chief Executive, commented: "I am delighted that our shareholders have given the board backing on this important strategic move for the Group. The acquisition puts us in a strong position to meet the needs of all our customers. It is a significant step towards our target of being one of Europe's largest distributors of the complete range of office consumables by the year 2000."

Preliminary results issued last week confirmed ISA's strong position in the European market. Turnover for 1997 was up by £14 million to £257 million, despite unfavourable trading conditions.

News of the take-over has been warmly welcomed by John Heath's Chief Executive, Terry Blyth.

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