The board of UK recruitment group Imprint has withdrawn its backing for a takeover offer from Hydrogen following an offer from Irish group Premier.

Premier said on Tuesday that it was making a cash offer of 115p for Imprint, valuing it at £45.2m. Premier has also built up a stake of more than 25% in Imprint.

Imprint's board said it was now reviewing the offer situation with all three companies which had made offers. Hydrogen's offer was a mix of cash and shares, while OPD Group, which owns 5% of Imprint, has also been involved in the bidding war.

In a statement Hydrogen said: Hydrogen continues to believe that a combination of Hydrogen and Imprint represents excellent value for Imprint shareholders whilst also enabling Imprint shareholders to retain an ongoing investment interest in the enlarged Hydrogen group.

The Hydrogen board continues to consider its position and strongly urges the Imprint shareholders to take no further action at this point with respect to the Premier Offer."