THE company behind the £5 million takeover of Pendle carpet manufacturers William Pownall & Sons is best known for its hand knitting and machine yarns.

Wakefield-based Sirdar PLC's wool and cotton products will be found in most homes throughout the country.

But the purchase of Pownall reinforces the company's move towards becoming one of the UK's leading manufacturers of quality carpets.

Sirdar already owns two top carpet manufacturers, Ryalux and Burmatex, and the acquisition of Pownall will add £10 million turnover to its existing floorcoverings sales of around £50 million. Duncan Verity, group chief executive of Sirdar, said there would be a number of benefits from the deal in areas such as distribution, logistics and systems.

"The acquisition represents an exciting opportunity and will further strengthen our residential floorcoverings operations," he said.

"Pownalls has established a strong reputation for quality, service and value and, over recent years, has invested heavily, both in technology and brand development."

Director Andrew Pownall, the great grandson of the company's founder, and managing director David Lowden are both staying with the business. Mr Pownall said: "Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of all Pownall employees, we have over the years built up a thriving family business.

"While we will all look back with nostalgia, we can face the future with pride, knowing that in Sirdar we have a British parent company which is committed to the future development and growth of Pownall.

"We very much look forward to building on successes past to gain even greater success in the future."

William Pownall & Sons was established more than 70 years ago and is based at Spenbrook Mill in Newchurch-in-Pendle. It moved into the tufted carpet industry in the late 1950s.