A pair of companies with links to the Midlands are set to hit the acquisition trail after seeking listings to raise a combined £30 million.

Altogether, Dowlis Corporate Solutions and Davenham Group will have a market capitalisation of more than £110 million after the offer of their shares in the next few weeks.

Dowlis, a producer of merchandising for clients, hopes to raise £4.5 million from the sale of 12.5 million shares at 36p after its admission to AIM next week.

The Dudley-based firm will be worth £13.5 million when dealings commence on Monday.

Chief executive Martin Varley said the firm's strategy was to grow organically and by acquisitions.

He said: "Dowlis Corporate Solutions has been profitable from year one, has a highly regarded and experienced management team, and a proven track record in making and integrating acquisitions.

"Our intention is to build a leading marketing services and support business. We intend to pursue growth aggressively both organically and by acquisition.

"The creation of Dowlis Communications in February 2005 was the first step in developing a broader marketing services business - our flotation on AIM will enable us to accelerate our growth plans."

Among the products produced by Dowlis are umbrellas, corporate clothing and golf balls carrying logos, with the intention of increasing brand knowledge and building long term relationships.

Dowlis was formed in September 2004 when Corporate Solutions merged with Dowlis to create a combined business with a turnover of £15.7 million for the nine month period ended June 30, 2005.

The group currently employs 108 people at its three UK sites in Manchester, Surrey and 20 at its site in Dudley.

Mr Varley added: "This will give us the funds to invest further in the business, look at possible acquisitions and raise our profile in the market place.

"We are delighted with the performance of our Dudley operation, which we think is the best corporate clothing division in the country."

The firm was also looking to establish a US partnership to reciprocate business in local markets across the Atlantic.

Looking to float on AIM by the middle of this month is Davenham, an independent asset based lender to SMEs.

Under the placing, Davenham intends to raise gross proceeds of around £271/2 million and existing Davenham shareholders intend to sell shares with a value up to £50 million. Davenham, which has an office in Birmingham, will have a market capitalisation is expected to be between £80 million and £92 million.

The proceeds of the floatation would be used to redeem debts and increase the capital base of the company.