RYALUX Carpets, which has had a significant presence in Bury since the early nineties, has been acquired by Sirdar Plc for £25 million.

Although Ryalux itself has its headquarters in Rochdale, the company's important Oxford Spinning Mill and Mossfield Mill distribution warehouse operation is based in Bury.

Formed by William Lomas in 1970, the carpet firm has built an enviable reputation for supplying quality, wool rich domestic carpets aimed at the mid to upper market sectors.

Sirdar say the addition of Ryalux, with its £35 million turnover, now firmly positions the new owners as a leading UK floorcoverings group.

Duncan Verity, Ryalux Carpets chief executive, said: "The acquisition represents a welcome and exciting opportunity for Ryalux. "There is an excellent strategic 'fit' with Sirdar. Ryalux has long been an advocate of vertical integration with its own in-house spinning and yarn dyeing facilities."

Ryalux, which reported operating profits of £5.3 million on a turnover of £35 million in 1999, has a strong product portfolio.

Around 27 staff are based at the firm's Mossfield distribution centre in Cheshan Fold Road, Bury, with additional employees working at Ryalux's Oxford Spinning mill in the town's Hudcar Lane.

It has also been announced that Carpet Express, the UK's market leader in dedicated carpet distribution, has been appointed by Ryalux to operate a dedicated contract service for the company over the next five years.

As part of the £5 million contract, Carpet Express will run a new £500,000 liveried fleet which will include 14 new vehicles.

Carpet Express will also base a full-time contracts manager at Ryalux's Bury warehouse to handle the day-to-day management of the contract.