ONE of Northwich's biggest employers has been taken over by a French industrial giant.

Nalco, which employs 160 people on its Winnington Avenue site, has been acquired by French firm Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux as part of a £4.5 billion deal.

"The name and the management team will be exactly the same," said Human Resources Manager David Kruze.

"However the new opportunities for both customers and employees will be far greater."

But no-one from the firm was available for comment on the future for Nalco's non-management staff, or on union involvement in the deal.

The America-based water treatment company has over 50,000 customers in 120 companies.

The deal is now awaiting final confirmation from stock market regulators.

Nalco have had premises in Northwich since 1929. ICI bought their way into the company in 1934 before taking overall control.

The company's British operation has been based in Winnington since 1964 and on purpose-built premises on Winnington Avenue since 1970.

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