WINCHESTER nanny recruitment agency Family Match has bought out a major London rival for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition of Kensington based London Nanny Company means Family Match can now offer childcare services to families throughout London and the south.

Set up 12 years ago, Family Match was bought in 2004 by Karen Dixon, who had a background in the industry after working at a senior level in recruitment consultancy.

She said: "We have built a good reputation based on providing a top quality hands on' service together with a caring attitude. As a result, we are the leading provider of childcare services in Winchester and the surrounding areas."

As a result of the acquisition and expansion, Family Match has moved into larger premises in Southgate Street.

The company provides nannies, nursery nurses, mother's helps and maternity nurses for families and businesses throughout the south.

Karen's plan was always to expand the business by buying-up a second nanny agency and she turned to business advice agency Business Link Wessex for help how to do this. At the same time, she asked them to review her operation.

She said: "It was incredibly valuable having someone to take a fresh and impartial look at the business. One of the first things the Business Link adviser did was look at all areas of the business including staffing, our accounting systems and marketing.

"I analysed my cash flow and prepared a business plan which secured extra funding from the bank and made the acquisition possible."