Multimedia publisher Helicon plans to double in size during the next nine months and move to a new building in Oxford, writes Maggie Hartford.

Helicon, a subsidiary of WH Smith, has bought two large databases of atlases and maps to produce books and CD-Roms, as well as travel information for the next generation of mobile phones.

Ten cartographic staff employed by Berkshire-based AND Cartographic Publishers in Finchampstead will move to Helicon's headquarters in Park End Street.

Helicon managing director David Attwooll said: "We are having to use temporary offices in Botley Road, so we hope to move to bigger offices.

"Many of our staff cycle to work and we rely on freelances so we want to stay inside the ring road."

AND Cartographic Publisher was part of Dutch company AND, specialising in travel and address data, which also has a subsidiary in Oxford. ACP's titles include the Atlas of the World, the Satellite Atlas of the World and the Upside Down Road Atlas of Great Britain.

Helicon has bought the licence to use AND road mapping data, which is considered to be the most extensive of its kind in the world.

Helicon says it will now be able to create unique combinations of maps and encyclopaedia information for books, CD-Roms and online products.

Mr Attwooll added: "This acquisition is a perfect fit for us, as it will enable Helicon to offer our customers a range of new print and online products."