STUART Greenfield, one half of Leepeckgreenfield, one of the region's most high profile communications agencies, is to quit the business.
The serial entrepreneur, who made his fortune from the sale of an event management business, is to sell his half of the company to partner Lee Peck for an undisclosed sum.
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He told the Daily Echo the move, which brings to a close an eightyear partnership, was part of his "life plan" and that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
The Chilworth based firm, which employs 21 people, is to be renamed the Lee Peck Group, while managing director Sue Thomas and public relations director Alyson Marlow are to become investors.
The sudden move follows a succession of business wins with Southampton Boat Show organiser National Boat Shows, gym chain Fitness First and law firm Moore Blatch all signing on with the company in recent weeks.
Mr Peck, 55, a former TV presenter who also starred in Channel 4 programme Boss Swap, said: "I have been reviewing the business for a few months now and we've just agreed that, having had a successful run of eight years, the time is right. He is entrepreneurial and I am the PR guy and I am really excited about taking it forward in its new configuration.
"This is what I do, I'm of the area and I've got the support of everybody.
"Clients have been absolutely fine and I think everybody in the business world is used to change. It is a big change and yet nothing will change to the outside world to be honest.We are planning on staying at Chilworth Point.
Mr Greenfield said: "It's part of my life plan really. It's no more than that. I think the time is right for me. I've got a young family which is growing up."
