West Midlands motor-home specialist Auto-Sleeper Group is back in British hands after management bought out the business from its Italian owner.

The deal with Società Europea Autocaravan (SEA) , which included the Worcestershire-based company’s dealership network, Marquis, was led by directors Geoff Scott and Mike Crouch.

They acquired a majority shareholding for an undisclosed sum to become equal partners in the 48-year-old company.

The deal was financed from the directors’ own resources with a contribution from a London-based venture capital house.

Tax advice was provided by BDO Stoy Hayward in Birmingham and legal advice came from Cobbets.

Auto-Sleeper, which was acquired by SEA in 2005, employs about 240 people and has annual sales of more than £70 million.

The company said revenues have recently fallen by 25 per cent but production is now being reorganised to meet a “moderate upturn” in volumes next year.

“The current strength of the euro has seen a resurgence in the British holiday industry and demand for camping, caravanning or motor-home-based holidays continues to grown,” a spokesman said yesterday.

“Our order book is full through to the end of this calender year with dealers eager to place orders for more product for early delivery in 2010.”

Following the MBO, Mr Scott will continue in his current role of ASG chief executive officer with Mr Crouch being appointed managing director.

Mr Scott said: “Auto-Sleepers and Marquis are brand names that collectively have 84 years of history within the motor-home industry.

“I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to continue building upon the solid foundations of these renowned British marques.

“Despite the current market, Auto-Sleeper is experiencing a renaissance and I am confident that ASG will enjoy a successful future.”

Mr Crouch has worked for Marquis for 30 years and has been recognised as the driving force behind the retail division since becoming MD in 2000.

“I am extremely proud that, from humble beginnings, Marquis is today the UK’s largest motor-home dealer network,” he said.

BDO tax partner Richard Rose said: “The new owners will be ably supported by an experienced management team and workforce and are in a very good position to build a successful future.

“It is very positive news to see such a heavyweight in the motor-home industry return to British ownership.”

Mark Gibson, partner at Cobbetts, said: “Their huge experience together with the backing of a strong team of advisors, management and staff will ensure the company goes from strength to strength.”

Auto-Sleepers, which operates from a factory at Willersley, near Broadway, dates back to 1961 when the Trevelyan family converted a Morris J2 van into a motor-home for a holiday in the South of France.

They went on develop their ideas and produced a second vehicle, based on an Austin van, which attracted the attention of motor retailer Henlys.

Faced with an order for five vehicles, the family set up production in partnership with a local builder.

Charles Trevelyan, son of the company founders, recently retired.