A RINGWOOD company which stages events for some of the UK's biggest corporate names is under new ownership following a successful management buy-out.

Andy Haynes and Jeremy Shakerley have become managing partners of UKS&V after purchasing the company from its founders, Trevor Pogson and Kay Sutton, for an undisclosed sum.

UKS&V, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, lists the AA, Financial Services Authority (FSA), IBM and Vodafone among its many clients. It provides a range of services from event design and creative through to final delivery.

Mr Haynes, who joined UKS&V in 1997, said: "It's our intention to raise the company's profile through great service, quality and value for money across many industry sectors."

Mr Shakerley, who has worked for UKS&V since 1989, said the business enjoyed an "excellent reputation", particularly for its high production values: "We are looking to build on that in the years ahead," he added.

The buy-out was conducted by the corporate finance team at chartered accountants and business advisers Princecroft Willis, led by partner Mark Aitchison and assisted by senior manager David Chapman.

The legal aspects were handled by Mike Doyle of Lester Aldridge while Danny Haywood and Paul Stewart of NatWest arranged finance for the deal.

Princecroft Willis is the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in Dorset and West Hampshire with a team of more than 100 including 17 partners.

It has offices in Bournemouth, Poole and New Milton.