The Kent-headquartered business has bought Shred Secure for an undisclosed amount bringing its number of distribution centres around the country to 15.

Earlier in the month PHS Datashred purchased Manchester-based Shred Easy.

Anthony Pearlgood, commercial director of PHS Datashred comments: ‘Our aim this year is to own the shredding market nationally.

‘We’re always looking at opportunities to expand and Shred Secure fitted perfectly with our growth strategy.’

Under the terms of the deal Russell Harris, former managing director of Shred Secure, will be employed as head of communications.

Harris is pleased to see the acquisition go through after nine years of getting the company where it is. ‘We already have a good working relationship with PHS Datashred as we have worked together on numerous projects and have similar values and offerings,’ he adds.

PHS Group initially listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2001 valued at £414 million. However in 2005 it delisted and reverted to private ownership via an acquisition by Charterhouse for £600 million.