TWO of Wyre Forest's top carpet names are joining forces.

Brintons has bought out Woodward Grosvenor for an undisclosed sum, although senior management at the carpet giant has insisted it will be "business as usual" for both firms.

Managing director of Brintons Limited, John Pilling, said although there was room for "operational synergies", the two would work to serve "the needs of our differing customer bases".

Mr Pilling said Woodward Grosvenor, based at Green Street in Kidderminster, would be maintained as a separate company within Brintons, retaining its current management team.

He added the takeover would enable Brintons to "extend its leadership in Axminster products" and to move into the Wilton market.

Chairman Michael Brinton said: "As a weaving company with a great history and an outstanding design archive, Woodward Grosvenor will be a good fit with Brintons."

Malcom Foley, managing director of Woodward Grosvenor, said: "Given the world-wide resources of the Brintons group of companies, it is reassuring that the company will now be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking business, enabling the Woodward Grosvenor brand to be developed further."

Brintons is the biggest carpet manufacturer in Kidderminster with a workforce of mroe than 800.

Woodward Grosvenor employs about 120.