ASHFORD-based Brake Bros, Britain's largest food service company, has been bought by private equity firm Clayton Dubilier and Rice in a £433.7 million deal this week.

The sale comes as no surprise after chairman and co-founder Frank Brake announced in March his intention to retire.

Mr Brake, who together with his family own 58 per cent of the firm with its headquarters on Eureka Park, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure this offer, which represents a successful conclusion to our strategic review announced in March."