A BOLTON bank has helped fund the management buyout of a civil engineering firm.

The Bank of Scotland Corporate in Bolton has provided £700,000 for the buyout of Preston-based civil engineering experts Vibro Group.

Brendan Henry has purchased Vibro Group, where he was a senior employee, from founders John Glover and Janice Boardman, following Mr Glover's decision to sell the company.

Mr Henry has worked alongside Mr Glover at Vibro Group for more than 20 years, gaining experience of all aspects of the specialist business.

Vibro Group is a specialist sub-contractor for ground improvement and foundation preparation.

The improvements create ground suitable for the construction of housing, industrial units, airports, roads and other civil engineering projects. Vibro Group employs 80 people and has a turnover of £5.5 million.

Mr Henry, now managing director at Vibro Group, said: "When John decided to sell Vibro Group, it seemed the obvious move for me to buy-out his management position and become even more involved in the company that I've worked for my whole life."

The Bank of Scotland Corporate was recommended to Mr Henry by Mark Jenkinson, of Thompson Jones accountants in Bury.

Philip Murrie, director of new business at Bank of Scotland Corporate's Bolton office, said: "Vibro Group is one of only four companies specialising in the ground preparation sector and has grown to become well-established in the field.

"Although this is Brendan's first business venture, we worked with him to come up with a proposal relatively quickly that helped him secure the deal."