Openshaw Group chief executive officer David Coltart said that the trading activities of the two companies would be merged, but that Openshaw was currently assessing its acquisition. The Bousfield name will remain.

Its a very positive move for us. It gives us the opportunity to harness some very good synergies and push the business forward, said Coltart.

He added that there would be some inevitable duplication between the two businesses, but that it was too early to predict what steps would be taken.

We were impressed by Bousfields factory and the technology there. By putting the management teams together it means that were stronger, we have a lot of experience on both sides, said Coltart.

Tony Halker will continue to direct the operations of Openshaws sales and distribution business, while Andrew Christie will continue to direct the operations of Bousfields manufacturing business.

The combined group has a turnover of 85m and around 500 employees.