MALVERN Tyres hopes to consolidate its position as a leading distributor and fitter of vehicle parts following a management buy-out.

The firm completed the move with just four weeks of negotiations, buying the firm from national chain Kwik Fit.

It means Malvern Tyres is now a wholly independent tyre retailer and wholesaler and not a subsidiary of Kwik Fit, as stated in Tuesday's Evening News.

Director Paul Edgell, who led the buy-out with fellow director Rob Freeman, said they planned to expand the firm, which has 22 employees, in the long-term.

But in the short-term they will concentrate on the three specialist fitting centres in Worcester, Droitwich, and Hereford as well as the distribution side of the business, which has a nationwide span.

"We're hoping to continue the good name which Malvern Tyres has built up in the area," said Mr Edgell.

"We have retained all the long-serving members of staff, two of whom have been here more than 20 years."

7 Rob Freeman and Paul Edgell of Malvern Tyres with Andrew Brookes (centre) of Hazlewoods.