Pictured (from L to R) Michael Proudfoot of Lonsdale & Partners, Neil McHardy of W. A. McHardy & Son, Rob Salter of Moore and Smalley, Bill Holmes of J Rainford & Sons and John Chesworth of Harrison Drury & Co

J Rainford & Sons Ltd (Rainfords), a family business that employs 30 people at its Hatchwood site at Brindle, Chorley, has merged with W.A. McHardy & Son Ltd (McHardys) of Milnthorpe, Cumbria.

The Preston office of Lancashire chartered accountants and business advisors, Moore and Smalley, advised Rainfords on the deal.

Rob Salter, senior partner, who headed the team, said: "The merger is not just about bringing two businesses together; it is a merger of identical ideas for the future.

"This new company is perfectly placed for expansion and job creation.

"The families have known each other for years and have an excellent relationship so the merger is completely the right way forward and will give both companies the scope to expand and service the whole region."

Rainfords was established over 70 years ago and has a turnover of £4.5 million.

McHardys, which employ 15 people, has been in operation since 1948 and has a turnover of £1.5 million.

Nine hundred thousand eggs are produced by 160,000 chickens at the Hatchwood site each week and the merger will see this increase to 1.75 million when the plant reaches full capacity.