BEATTIES' prestigious department store in Worcester's CrownGate Shopping Centre has been bought by House of Fraser.

The nationwide chain - which sells fashion, beauty and home products, alongside restaurants and food halls - announced today it had agreed to buy the Wolverhampton-based Beatties group.

The Worcester branch - one of 12 Beatties stores in England - has been welcoming shoppers through its doors for 12 years.

This morning, Beatties workers knew little about the deal.

"It has been announced but we've got to speak to the managers today, we will know more later," said one worker, who added that the buyout was 'sad'.

Another said: "We know as much as the Press."

House of Fraser directors say the deal, which will add to its 51 stores across the UK, will boost profits.

Beatties will still trade under the existing brand name, with the addition of House of Fraser ranges.

The directors also say the deal will provide greater career and development opportunities for current and new staff.

Beatties shareholders, who control 10.6 per cent of the firm's stock,

have voted in favour of the offer.

Under the terms of the deal they would receive 168p a share, which values the business at about £69.4m.

House of Fraser will also make a £4m contribution to the Beatties Pension Scheme, with up to a further £9m in the following two years.

John Coleman, the chief executive of House of Fraser, said the deal

was a 'significant and exciting step' in House of Fraser's growth story.

"The addition of the Beatties stores will add 653,000 square feet of profitable retail space, strengthening House of Fraser's nationwide coverage," he said.

"We also look forward to working with the Beatties' team to serve its loyal and discerning customer base."

No one from the Worcester store was available to comment.