Tallaght printing group Microprint has purchased the operations of Lithographic Web Press Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

The sale will lead to the loss of 40 of the Glasnevin group's 113 jobs. Staff and their union representatives were informed of the development yesterday and talks will begin immediately on severance terms for those who are to lose their jobs.

Established in 1987, Microprint prints technical manuals and general books for the IT, software, consumer electronics, telecoms and publishing sectors. It employs 95 people at its 24-hour facility in Tallaght. "The acquisition provides Microprint with the platform to extend its market base by becoming the main print supplier in Ireland to the consumer and business magazine sector," it said in a statement.

Microprint is an unlimited company. In its latest return, the directors listed are: Noel Boyle, managing director; John Cadell; Dirk Folens; and Hilda O'Sullivan.

Lithographic Web Press was established in 2003 following the merger of Lithographic Universal and Smurfit Web Press. "The company has been suffering losses in recent years and believes the move is essential if jobs are to be preserved," it said.