THE multi-millionaire boss of Leyland-based Enterprise plc has quit the company he helped build.

Chief executive Sean Keogh -- named as one of the North West's top five earners in 2002 - will be replaced by Jack McGrory, the managing director of Mowlem Managed Services.

In a surprise announcement, the company told shareholders that Mr Keogh had left Enterprise for "personal reasons".

Together with his brother-in-law Owen McLaughlin, Mr Keogh turned the company from a small sub-contracting business in Leyland into one of the UK's leading support services groups with a market value of more than £200 million.

It undertakes maintenance contracts for all the big utility companies such as British Telecom, United Utilities, Severn Trent, Thus and British Gas.

In the Sunday Times North West pay league in 2002, Mr Keogh came fourth with a total income of £6.9 million for the year after selling shares worth £6.3 million. He still has a 12.9 per cent stake in the company which is worth more than £27 million.

In a statement to the Stock Exchange, chairman Owen McLaughlin said: "We are most grateful to Sean Keogh for his input over the last 15 years.

"Our rapid growth over that period, and the last three years in particular, is a testament to his contribution and he leaves with the very best wishes of the board and all the staff of Enterprise."

In its statement, the company stressed that its financial results, due on March 22, would be in line with market expectations and said the directors continued to have great confidence in the group's prospects.