FIVE senior employees at a design, marketing and PR firm have successfully completed a management buy-out.

The employees recruited the help of financial advisors Monahans and lawyers Withy King to complete a buy-out of Superior Creative Services, in Hercules Way, Bowerhill.

The firm employs 118 people at its 190,000 sq ft premises, and offers services ranging from PR and print production to creative design.

The new management team is made up of Mike King, Richard Masterton, Richard Blueitt, Gary Monument and Ian O' Connor.

Mr O'Connor, who is in line to take over the managing director position, said: "We value the company's history and achievements and will be building on these to develop an exciting future for the business and the staff."

Monahan's corporate finance team, led by Peter Lugg, took the five employees through the purchase process and negotiations, which also involved raising finance and drawing up contracts.

John Harris, the outgoing director, said the company had gone from strength to strength over the past three decades.

"The company had enjoyed considerable growth during its 29 years, finding and developing niche markets and meeting the ever-developing needs of clients locally and nationally.

"The new management team has the expertise and vision to take the business forward into the future and I wish them all the success."

One of the team's first priorities is to plough money into the print operation, to ensure they can compete with some of the UK's largest print firms.