A lighting designer and manufacturer which has fitted out the Ritz has been taken over in a management buyout for an undisclosed sum.

LightGraphix, based in Crayford, near Dartford, has supplied illuminations for clients like British Airways, Estee Lauder, Hilton Hotels, Harrods and Selfridges.

It will be run by Robert Buxton, Simon Lyon and Stan Harris after the takeover last month, with former managing director Richard Hargreaves remainimg as a non-executive director.

The company was founded in 1979 in Dartford before moving to premises in Crayford in 2006.

Its headquarters include a variety of manufacturing facilities and an extensive testing area, as well as design and administration offices and a showroom.

Funding for the deal was supplied by Royal Bank of Scotland alongside financial backing from ex-boss Richard Hargreaves.

“The completion of the management buyout is a very exciting period for us and we are delighted to be taking control of the business and are looking to expand and introduce new ideas..." - Robert Buxton, LightGraphix

Director Robert Buxton said: “The completion of the management buyout is a very exciting period for us and we are delighted to be taking control of the business and are looking to expand and introduce new ideas.

“LightGraphix has built up a reputation for high quality, well made and innovative products and we aim to build on this success.

“We are extremely proud of the fact that all our products are manufactured in the UK which helps us ensure quality, flexibility on delivery and the production of custom lengths.

“This is something we will continue as we seek to increase our distribution to customers across the UK and internationally – with around 40% of our production exported.”

Mathew Glentworth, director of the corporate transactions team at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “LightGraphix offers bespoke lighting solutions and have established an excellent reputation in a niche market.

“It is great to support a UK manufacturer with the next stage of their development as they embark on a growth strategy that is steered by a fully motivated team.”

Tunbridge Wells-based law frim Cripps provided legal advice on the deal.