Tony Webster, former managing director of the European arm of US-based food ingredients company Pecan Deluxe Candy, of Sherburn-in-Elmet, has led a multi-million pound buy-in management buyout (BIMBO) of Sunquest Tanning Systems.

Mr Webster spearheaded the acquisition of the £6 million-turnover manufacturer of sun beds, which is based in Denton, Manchester. He is one of two external investors and three existing Sunquest directors at the heart of the takeover. The deal also involves the acquisition of a sister company, Ribquest, which designs, manufactures and sells rigid inflatable boats.

Mr Webster lives in Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, also the home of fellow MBI investor Mike Bower, chairman of national mobile communications group Link Telecom, based in Keighley, West Yorkshire.

Established 20 years ago, Sunquest is one of the country's largest manufacturers of UV vertical and lie-down tanning units.

Updated: 09:20 Wednesday, August 24, 2005