HARVEY and Thompson Ltd, the leading UK pawnbroker chain, has been bought for £49 million by Rutland Partners, a private equity fund from Cash America International Limited.
But, for Bolton manager Dawn Grundy, it will be business as usual in her Newport Street Harvey and Thompson shop, which is one of 57 branches in England and Scotland.
"Despite the change of ownership, all our usual services - pledge, retail jewellery, sales, cheque-cashing and pay-day advance, will be unchanged," she said.
Speaking about the acquisition, Harvey and Thompson managing director John Nicols said: "This is an exciting and challenging time for everyone at Harvey and Thompson.
We have further plans to open more shops throughout the country and develop our product and service.
"This investment by Rutland is not only a tremendous vote of confidence in all our staff nationwide, but also in the whole of the management team."
In the year ended December 2003, Harvey and Thompson had operating profits of £5.1 million and net assets of £36.5 million.
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