The company was founded in 1997 and is converter of pressure sensitive labels, packaging films and promotional coupons and booklets.

Its founders Mike Brown and Ian Barwick remain as major shareholders and joint managing directors. It now has backing from specialist private equity financier Graphite Capital.

'This is an important milestone in the company's history,' said Brown and Barwick. 'We look forward to developing the business in partnership with Graphite Capital and the rest of our senior management team who now join us as shareholders.' Leading Edge's advisers at KPMG Corporate Finance said growth prospects for the food and drink printed labels sector look good. Demand is being driven by changing consumer tastes and lifestyles and increased competition among retailers seeking differentiation through sophisticated label design, said KPMG associate director Mike McDonald.