FIRE and flood recovery company One Call is to merge with DRL, a similar business based in Essex.

One Call, which has its headquarters on the Spa Road Industrial Estate, changed its name in 2000 from Bolton Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services -- its identity since it was established in 1946.

Judges awarded One Call the Customer Service Excellence title in last year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Merger negotiations are likely to be completed by early June.

One Call, which currently operates largely in the north and west of the country, sees the merger as an outstanding prospect for two companies on the same wavelength to capitalise on their mutual strengths on a national scale.

Technical Director Jim White said the opportunities were massive and they would continue to capitalise on substantial technology and commitment to training.

"Both sides have an excellent range of strengths and skills to bring to the table and we can only benefit from one another to build a force to be reckoned with in professional damage management," he said.