A COMPANY that specialises in selling glitter to schools is looking at a bright future after new owners took charge.

A management buyout at Ronald Britton Ltd, Springfield House, Lower Eccleshill Road, Darwen, from its parent company, Wolstenholme International, was led by the group's deputy managing director, Calvin Lord.

In addition to completing the buyout, Mr Lord purchased Rochdale-based Brian Clegg Educational Products Ltd, a specialist manufacturer of washable paint and glue for schools.

With the deal being done for an undisclosed figure, the combined business now employs 40 people with sales of over £5.3million.

Following the deal, the company is looking to increase turnover by expanding its product range and cross-selling to its enlarged customer base.

Established in 1943, Ronald Britton operates two divisions - Yazzle and Metals.

Yazzle distributes glitters, plastic shapes and confetti to schools, textile firms and printers.

The Metals brand provides specialist coatings for use in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

Brian Clegg Educational Products manufactures ready mixed paints, powder paints and PVA glues, as well as distributing a wide range of consumables.

It also supplies toys for nurseries, including trikes and scooters.

The corporate finance team of accountants Baker Tilly advised management and secured funding from the Cooperative Bank.

Mr Lord said: "The opportunity provided by these two deals is extremely exciting.

"Brian Clegg has an extensive product range which complements our educational offer very well.

"This was certainly a challenging transaction as both deals were dependant on the other.

"The support that we've had from our advisers and financiers has been extremely important."

Ronald Britton's previous owner, Wolstenholme, made metallic powders and inks for the printing industry until its sale in August 2007.