The founders of a company that has built up a £2m turn- over by laying on sporting events for clients, including Bentley and Audi, have sold the business to their staff.
Bob Howarth and Tim Owen set up Marketing Bureau in Wallingford in 1985. Now client services director Nigel Green, 44, has teamed up with managing director Brian Kenworthy, 40, to buy the firm.
Mr Kenworthy, former commercial director of Abingdon brand consultancy Marketplace, led the management buy-out team.
It obtained £250,000 backing from HSBC Ventures to help finance the deal to buy out the company, which now employs 16 people.
The company organises sporting events for client companies including the Audi Quattro golf championship, one of the biggest amateur challenges in the world.
The firm also puts on loyalty events for clients' best customers, often in car showrooms, as well as hosting corporate hospitality at events such as Henley Royal Regatta and Goodwood.
Director of HSBC Ventures Jason Gould said: "We have been impressed by the combined skills of the new management team.
"Brian Kenworthy and Nigel Green were enthusiastic and ambitious and we could immediately identify the opportunities available."
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