A SUPPLIER of electronic cash tills has been bought by an American rival for nearly £100 million.

The directors of Anker, based on the Wingates Industrial Park, Westhoughton, have accepted an offer by Torex Retail that values the company at £98.5 million.

Job losses may follow, but the firm has not specified the size and nature of any cuts.

Torex said the deal would help provide it with the scale it needs to become attractive to leading international retailers and oil companies.

Commenting on the offer, Christopher Moore, chief executive of Torex Retail, said: "The prospect of Anker joining forces with Torex Retail represents an exciting opportunity to significantly advance our strategic aims.

"We are experiencing strong organic growth complemented by targeted acquisitions."

Mr Moore said that the integration of Anker would initially result in some job losses in the UK and Germany. However, head said, jobs would be created in the medium to longer term.

Mr Moore did not specify where the job cuts would be made.

Anker operates in 11 European countries with 1,250 staff, including 270 in Westhoughton. The firm has 2,000 customers, which include Harrods.

Torex operates in the UK, Germany and Belgium, with customers such as Tesco, Woolworths, Selfridges and Shell.

Dr. Dermot Smurfit, chairman of Anker, said: "We are delighted to be able to agree terms with Torex Retail, a complementary business to our own.

"The enlarged group will have greater financial resources and presence to further progress its success."

In the year to December 31, 2004, Anker posted an operating profit of £8.9 million on turnover of £110 million.