BOSSES at Aqualisa Showers in Westerham have led a successful buy-out bid worth £82.5m.

Backed by venture capitalist group Close Brothers Private Equity, Aqualisa's board will now take the reins from previous owners Baxi Holdings Ltd.

Baxi, a European producer of water heating products decided to sell on Aqualisa to concentrate on its core heating market.

Martyn Denny, Aqualisa's marketing director, said: "It's great to be independent again. This is a return to how we started out."

Managing director Harry Rawlinson added: "The business is growing strongly and we are keen to expand further.

“We have a history of successful new product development and our focus on design and product innovation will support the company's growth going forward."

The deal brings back into Kentish hands the £50m-a-year sales generated by the company's award winning shower technology, the Quartz system.

Working with leading product designers Seymour Powell, Aqualisa has invested heavily in design and this has earned it a reputation as a market leader. The company outlined its desire for growth earlier this year when it expanded its product range to include bathroom taps and brassware.

A re-branding of the company’s corporate identity also accompanied the refurbishment and expansion of its base in Westerham where it currently employs 340 staff.