Manchester-based Vision Support Services Group (VSS) has acquired the business and assets of Birkenhead-based office furniture firm The Desk Centre Limited from administrators Ernst & Young.

It has now set up Desk Centre Ltd as a newly-incorporated subsidiary and said that it intends to trade the company as a going concern, which will save 36 jobs. It is also planning a long term programme of investment. The headoffice and warehouse functions will continue to operate from its existing base at Hickmans Road in Birkenhead.

“Desk Centre Limited is a great addition to the VSS group, taking us to a whole new level of expertise in supplying our existing public sector customers,” said VSS Group managing director Laurie Thomas. The Group already owns C&C Bed & Bath, Whitaker Services, Reebitex Fabrics and HLL Linens (trading as Hilden and Liddell), which supply textiles to UK retailers, hotels, and public sector customers such as the Ministry of Defence, the NHS and Her Majesty's Prison Service.

“Integrating the existing business with the world-class management systems of the VSS Group will create a force to be reckoned with in the supply of office and education furniture. We're delighted to welcome the staff to the group.”

Vision Support Services said the deal will add around £7m to the group's turnover. It was advised on the buyout by Manchester-based law firm Halliwells and corporate finance firm Rickitt Mitchell.

Ashley Haworth of Rickitt Mitchell advised VSS  on the acquisition of The Desk Centre.