A CABLE and pipe fixings designer and manufacturer in North Yorkshire, has acquired and shut down one of its main international competitors.

Ellis Patents, of Rillington, near Malton, has bought out Staffordshire-based EDL Cable Supports Ltd for what its spokesman describes as "a significant but undisclosed sum". The deal, says the company, now not only gives it the largest single-source product range worldwide, but also secures its 40 rural jobs at Rillington and "future prospects look bright."

Ellis Patents, which employs 40 staff, supplies electrical utilities and power generation, shipping and marine, distribution, oil and gas and construction businesses in the UK and overseas. The EDL Cable Supports Ltd name, finances and product range will be taken over by Ellis Patents and its base in Rugeley, Staffordshire, where five people worked, closed last week. Michael Bill, the former owner and managing director of EDL Cable Supports, is joining Ellis Patents as a consultant to help the company complete the integration and prepare for the next stage in its growth. Richard Shaw, Ellis Patents' managing director, who was appointed a year ago, said: "This acquisition of our one of our main competitors is a significant deal for our industry, our future, our workforce and our independent shareholders."

Updated: 08:57 Tuesday, March 05, 2002