SHARE PUNT OF THE WEEK

PRICE: 416p

WHO IS IT? IG Design Group, formerly known as International Greetings, designs and makes gift packaging, cards, stationery and presents. The Bedfordshire-based firm sells its products in more than 200,000 stores in 80 countries.

WHAT’S THE LATEST? Last month, IG bought Australian greeting card and paper product producer Biscay Greetings for £5.5m. Biscay has nearly 2,000 customers in Australia and New Zealand. IG chief executive Paul Fineman said the deal would double its market share in Australia. WHO BACKS IT? Fineman is the firm’s fourth biggest shareholder, with nearly 4.5m shares. Fund managers Miton and Schroder are also among the top five shareholders.

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST Last month, IG announced it was on track to grow its profits and revenue this year. Experts say its aggressive growth and acquisition strategy is stealing market share from rivals. German bank Berenberg has given the firm a ‘buy’ rating. Russ Mould, of stockbroker AJ Bell, said: ‘It is a terrifically well-run business and it is really starting to eat the cake of some of its rivals. ‘It has made great progress selling to the discount supermarkets and there is potential for the dividend to grow, too.’ . . . AND WHY YOU SHOULDN’T The firm’s share price has risen 57pc in the past year and experts are wondering how much further it can go. Berenberg has given the firm a target price of 500p, up from 416p now. Mould, of AJ Bell, said: ‘There is a risk that, in the future, people stop sending greetings cards and send an electronic version instead.’