A TAKE-OVER of one of the town's biggest employers, ABE (Ledbury) Ltd, has been described as "the best of both worlds" by the new managing director.

ABE Ltd and the new owner, Palletline Plc, have had a long and close working relationship.

A former owner, popular local businesses man, Andy Boyle, is remaining on board as a consultant for the successful road haulage company, which is based off the Bromyard Road.

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker, has also welcomed the news, not least because ABE (Ledbury) Ltd, which will not change its name, has taken on eight extra workers this year, expanding the workforce to 90.

Cllr Baker said: "I think it's good news for Ledbury; excellent news. All this helps to secure the future of one of Ledbury's biggest employers: an employer which has always been a stable and valued source of local employment."

Clive Brooks, the new managing director of ABE (Ledbury) Ltd said: "Hopefully this is the best of both worlds. There is the support of a large group who we know very well but also a reasonable level of autonomy.

"There's absolutely no desire to change the name. We currently employ 90 people and have taken on eight this year."

The company was expanding in any case, and Mr Brooks said the jobs boost "was not really relevant to the change of owner".

Mr Brooks was the chief executive of ABE (Ledbury) Ltd, before the take over.

Palletline Plc, which is described as "the leading UK palletised distribution network", has put out a separate statement which also mentions the long-term association between the two organisations.

The statement says: "Under the ownership of Andy and Julia Boyle, ABE has worked closely with Palletline for over 20 years. The acquisition will enable both organisations to build on the success of our well-established family business to offer the best service to our customers.

"The ABE company name and brand will be retained and the on-going management of the business will continue to be lead by existing Chief Executive, Clive Brooks, with support from all our current management and staff."

The statement adds: "Andy has agreed to remain with the business as a consultant and will support Clive in a number of key areas."

Mr Boyle started the business with just two vehicles, back in 1972.

The business now has "a broad customer base of some 375 active customers from many sectors stretching far into the three Counties, Mid-Wales and Shropshire and beyond."