ALLEN Gears, the Pershore-based world leader in design and manufacture of high performance gearboxes for the industrial and marine sectors, has been fully acquired by an American combine in a move that will hopefully bring more jobs to the south Worcestershire market town. The company from Station Road has been sold to GE Oil & Gas, a specialist in turbo machinery technology and a former minority stakeholder. The sale has ensured growth for Allen in the industrial gears sector and the firm, which was founded in 1948, will now be incorporated into the power transmission division of GE's Texas-based Lufkin business,

Kevin Johnson, managing director of Allen Gears, said: "Incorporating Allen Gears fully within GE will enable growth in global sales by increasing manufacturing and field service capacity. Our industry-leading technology, combined with Lufkin's, will provide a comprehensive service to customers."

The sale was led by Rod Thomas, managing partner and head of business services at Worcestershire law firm Harrison Clark Rickerby's, who has worked closely with Allen Gears for a number of years. He said: "We have a strong relationship with the shareholders of Allen Gears, having first worked together in 2008 when they acquired the business. In 2011, we advised on a part buy-out, in which GE Oil & Gas acquired a minority interest in the business. We were delighted to assist with the full buy-out and complete the very rewarding journey that we have taken with the firm over several years.”