A translation service which has been running in Tunbridge Wells for nearly 40 years has been acquired by a major UK competitor.

Cicero Translations, which is based in the spa town as well as running a London office, has been snapped up by The Translation People. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Cicero, which has four staff, was founded in 1980 by managing director Paul Mason. He will remain with the business in a consultancy role for a year before retiring.

In its latest financial year, Cicero generated revenues of £550,000, serving clients in sectors such as education, publishing, manufacturing, design and marketing and e-commerce.

Its client base includes Carex and Imperial Leather maker PZ Cussons, Cambridge University Press, Andrex and Kleenex maker Kimberly-Clark, Heathrow Airport and Rentalcars.com.

The Translation People has its headquarters in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, and its other UK offices are in Uxbridge in Middlesex, Glasgow and Birmingham. Revenues in 2017 were a record £5.1m.

Managing director Steve Wilde said: “We have been looking for a suitable acquisition in the London and south-east region for some time. Cicero is a well-run business with excellent staff, a very good reputation and an impressive client base.

“With its strong market positions in sectors such as education and financial and economic publishing, we believe Cicero will make a great addition to our business.

“Our combined expertise will ensure an even better quality of service. For Cicero and its clients, it is business as usual, with the added bonus that being part of a larger organisation will enable access to greater funding for investment in technology and access to our worldwide network of translators and interpreters.

“The enlarged business as a result of this acquisition creates an even greater force in the translation industry.”

Paul Mason said: “I’ve known the senior directors at The Translation People for some time and I am delighted that we have been able to complete this deal, ensuring continuity for staff and clients alike and the Cicero brand.

“I am confident the business will continue to thrive as part of The Translation People.”