Essex-based retailer Clinton Cards Plc has acquired 196 stores from Manchester-based rival Birthdays for up to £3.5 million. 

Essex-based retailer Clinton Cards Plc has acquired 196 stores from Manchester-based rival Birthdays for up to £3.5 million.

The stores were acquired out of administration and will continue to operate under the Birthdays brand. Over the 12 months to August 2008, the 196 stores had sales of £74 million.

Clinton Cards chairman Don Lewin commented: “We are very pleased to be able to report the successful purchase of a large proportion of the Birthdays stores thereby ensuring employment for 1,450 people.”

In the six months ending January 2009, Clinton reported a turnover of £243 million, and pre-tax profits of £12.5 million.