Send the Light (STL) is set to become one of the biggest not-for-profit book distributors in the world, after the firm recently sealed a deal to merge with the International Bible Society (IBS) and create what it calls a worldwide Christian ministry.

The partnership will target emerging markets in India, Africa and China, where Christianity is growing rapidly.

The organisations are already the globe's biggest Christian distributors and bible publishers and believe their alliance will create valuable efficiencies to advance their missions. Neither make profits.

STL leaders have set an ambitious target when the deal goes through on March 1 of having "a Bible for everyone on Earth".

The merged organisation will distribute the world's leading Bible translation, the New International Version (NIV).

STL group chief executive Keith Danby, who will head the new merged organisation, said: "This merger will allow STL to extend its ministry beyond our wildest imagination.

"The new organisation will cover the United Kingdom, India, Asia, Africa, the United States, Latin America, and other parts of the world.

"Our operations in Carlisle will continue to play a crucial part in the work of the new organisation."

Mike Richards, acting CEO of IBS, said: "For nearly 200 years, IBS has worked to reach people with scripture.

"Now we're entering the next era in our history, an era filled with even greater opportunity to share God's word with a world in need of its message."

STL is one of the world's largest distributors of Christian resources, with offices in the UK, US and India.

It employs 900 and boasts sales revenue of more than £60 million.

STL's distribution arm supplies retailers with books, music, DVD software and gifts, from its headquarters in Carlisle. The Carlisle-based distribution division operates alongside STL's retail division, Wesley Owen, which has a chain of 45 bookshops across the UK, and its publishing division, Authentic Media, based in Milton Keynes.

It is also expanding its Kingstown warehouse to create an extra 23,000sq ft of space after outgrowing its current operation.

American-based IBS is one of the leading Bible publishers in the world with over 500 staff working in 48 countries, distributing over 13 million Bible-based products.