Swan Mill acquires Ling Design and Talking Pictures

One of the UK’s longest standing and best-loved greeting card publishers, Ling Design, has been taken over by Swan Mill, which also owns design-led giftwrap supplier Penny Kennedy. The deal also includes Ling’s sister company Talking Pictures.

Speaking during an announcement about the deal made on Thursday June 25, Ling Chairman Julian Nash said: “Ling Design and their sister company Talking Pictures Cards have a unique place in the greetings industry and we are delighted to hand the continued development of the company we have built over the last 18 years to Swan Mill.

Ling has offices in Paddock Wood and Bath, employing 65 people and turning around more than £8 million each year from sales to almost 30 countries worldwide, including extensive distribution around the UK.

Swan Mill has a head office in Swanley, Kent, 250 employees in the UK and Asia and a turnover of more than £50m.

David Byk, CEO of Swan Mill, added: “Ling Design are a very well-known and well-run company supplying the trade with over 25 million cards per annum all year round and will form an excellent addition to our group.”

Current MD Ian Bant will remain with Ling Design while David takes over as CEO with immediate effect. Julian will remain with the business until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership.