The Edinburgh-based newspaper distribution group expanded its reach last week with the purchase of a Chester-based newsagent chain.
The move came as analysts predict further consolidation in the industry. Menzies has not revealed the acquisition price.
The group, which also has an airline logistics arm, dominates newspaper and magazine distribution in Scotland.
Patrick Macdonald, the chief executive, said the deal expanded the group’s footprint. Menzies, which reports full-year results for 2005 in March, has said it expects to meet market expectations but is cautious about 2006.
The tough retail market has affected the magazine sector while the airline arm has been hit by a downturn in cargo partly because of high fuel prices.
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Menzies’ share price has struggled in recent months. Macdonald said in December that the market was “not valuing the company as highly as it deserves”.
The firm’s shares traded at 642p a year ago, but ended last week at 553p.
Menzies’s pre-tax profits climbed 10% in the six months to June 25, 2005, to £15.5m.
The group is awaiting the verdict of an Office of Fair Trading inquiry into the media distribution market. The report is not expected until well into 2006.