A YORK company famed for its production work on global events including Olympic Games ceremonies has completed its first business acquisition in its 20-year history.

Stage One Creative Services, based at Tockwith, is looking to expand its offering and increase its market share through the acquisition of WGH Transportation Engineering for an undisclosed sum.

The Doncaster-based business, which specialises in leisure ride design and manufacturing, is to become part of creative manufacturing business Stage One following its first take-over deal since it was founded in 1996.

The move will see the transfer of employees and intellectual property and will secure the future of the WGH product portfolio under the Stage One brand.

Stage One bosses have described the acquisition as representing a "significant joining of forces" which "enhances Stage One's engineering and design capability".

Mark Johnson, Stage One chief executive, said: "This represents a very positive step for our company and our clients.

"Our automation and engineering offering has always been well regarded. However, this recent development adds real breadth and depth.

"We're looking forward to better supporting existing clients and breaking into new markets.

"Together, the two companies represent best of breed engineering and manufacturing in the creative, entertainment and theme park industries."

WGH is a major supplier of rides to the leisure industry, inclined lifts, automated passenger transportation systems and dark ride systems.

The firm has delivered engineering solutions to the London Eye, The Urbis Centre, Legoland and The Titanic Experience. and most recently recommissioned the UK's oldest rollercoaster at Dreamland in Margate.

Andrew Howarth, managing director of WGH, said: "I'm delighted that knowledge and expertise we've built up over 30 years will be secured and promoted.

"Stage One was a natural choice in which to embed staff and skills so that our clients can be supported well into the future."

Winner of a Queen’s Award in respect of ten years continuous innovation, Stage One works within the architecture, ceremonies and experience industries. It's project portfolio includes construction of the UK Pavilion for the 2015 Milan Expo; developing aerial flying systems for global Opening Ceremonies and manufacturing Thomas Heatherwick’s iconic Olympic cauldron for the London 2012 games.