Anthony Pearlgood, commercial director of PHS Datashred comments: ‘Thanks to this acquisition we are now closer to our customers across the North West and Midlands and able to offer a faster and more secure service.

‘Our key targets are very similar to Shred Easy’s; we want to work with businesses in the legal, accountancy, insurance and retail sectors.’

The deal, for an undisclosed amount, will see founders of Shred Easy, Jim Watson and Alan O’Brien, are to stay on for a three-month handover period.

O’Brien, former chief executive of Shred Easy, reveals that they have had a number of acquisition approaches over the years but did not sell.

He adds: ‘With PHS Datashred we’ve finally found the right company that has similar values to our own and, as a bigger national player, they will be able to build on our work.’