Patriot Aviation - a firm owned by Birmingham entrepreneur Sir Peter Rigby - has clinched a deal which effectively gives it control over the sale of popular Cessna light aircraft in the UK and Northern Ireland.

Patriot has acquired Oxfordshire-based CSE Aircraft Sales for an undisclosed sum.

CSE, Europe's longest established Cessna distributor, is responsible for sales of the US aircraft manufacturer's single-engined 172, 182 and 206 models, plus its new 162 Sky Catcher.

As part of the deal CSE has relocated to Patriot's headquarters at Cranfield in Buckinghamshire, where it will operate alongside the firm's helicopter sales, engineering, flight training and charter business.

Patriot, which was acquired by aviation enthusiast Sir Peter in 2002, also holds the Bell Helicopter distribution rights for the UK and Northern Ireland. Sir Peter, founder and owner of Birmingham business SCH - one of the largest privately owned IT groups in the UK - said: "We are delighted to represent Cessna in the UK around its superb range of single engine aircraft, including the new high speed 350/400 models.

"We have already placed orders with Cessna for some 40 aircraft to the value of $27 million (£13.56 million) to keep customer lead times on new aircraft to a minimum."

Roger Whyte, senior vice-president of sales and marketing at Cessna, said: "We are delighted that CSE will continue to build and extend on its long established relationship with Cessna under Sir Peter's leadership."

Bob Fitzpatrick, senior vice-president of marketing and sales for Bell Helicopter, added: "As Textron companies we continue to see growing possibilities around the globe for both Bell and Cessna to market products."