ORS Recruitment Services, a family company based in Warrington, has been sold to Prime Time Recruitment, based in Northampton, in a £5m. deal.

ORS was started 40 years ago by Ernestine Roach, who lives in Appleton. The first branch was in Wigan.

The Warrington branch opened in l968 and there are now 10 branches in the north west.

Ernestine's son, Peter, bought the company on his mother's retirement in l989 and added it to IDG Holdings, Warrington, of which he is group chairman.

ORS employs 500 contract workers and 50 staff.

Said Peter: "Jobs are secure. That was an important consideration for us. Finding the right buyer for ORS was a key consideration to ensure the longevity and future success of the business."

He said that IDG remained committed to both local and national employment and was looking forward to expansion and development in their core business areas, In Depth Services (Cleaning), National Contract Cleaning Services and Uniloads Ltd European and National Vehicle Delivery Services.

A strategic development plan could lead IDG to a £50m turnover in the next five years.

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