A MANUFACTURING business in Bacup has expanded and bought a company in the north east.

Beta Group has acquired the trade and certain assets of Spraytherm, a firm in Stockton-on-Tees which sells, maintains and services spray booths used for vehicle and industrial paint spraying.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will add an extra £250,000 to the Beta Group’s £5m turnover. The business, which was established in 1991 and was family-owned, employs 50 staff and has a customer base which includes national repair centre chains.

Martin Lewis, founder and chief executive, said the latest deal extends his firm’s national spray booth operations in the north east and will create cross-selling opportunities.

He said: “This acquisition forms a natural part of our growth strategy within the spray booth industry, and complements our other activities.”

Beta Group was advised on the acquisition by a corporate finance team at Manchester and Stockport accountants Hurst, led by Tim Scott, and by Julian Bond and Kevin Rimmer of Manchester law firm Glaisyers.

Tim Scott, an associate partner at Hurst, said: “Spraytherm is a great strategic fit with Beta Group which strengthens its market position in the North.

“The group is looking at further acquisitions as part of its growth strategy.”