Midlands engineering company LK group has been bought by Belgian operation Metris International Holding as part of a £20 million spending spree.
Derby-based LK is a specialist co-ordinate measurement machine manufacturer which supplies high-end inspection systems with integrated software to the automotive, aerospace and general engineering sectors.
The company has operations in the US and a joint venture in China with Shanghai Electric. It has an annual turnover of £20 million and 180 employees.
Charlie Edgington, previously chief executive of LK and now vice-president of marketing, for Metris, said: "LK has a history of offering innovative technologies that provide the best possible solutions to our customers.
"We are very pleased to become part of Metris, the technology leaders in the market, offering an exciting range of products and services to our customers."
LK was the subject of a management buyout backed by private equity firm Permira in 1998. The Birmingham office of accountants BDO Stoy Hayward advised Permira on the sale. Metris specialises in inspection systems for the automotive and aerospace sectors.
Bart Van Coppenolle, president and chief executive, said the deal, plus two simultaneous acquisitions, allowed the business to became "a total provider" in its field.
