IT is business as usual for Rowse Honey, Wallingford's biggest employer, after it was bought out in a reported £70m deal by Wellness Foods.

Stuart Bailey, managing director of Rowse Honey with 22 years experience in the business, stays as managing director and said: "It is very much business as usual.

"There will be no redundancies in our 122-strong staff and we all see the new venture as expanding our range and going in new directions in the future."

The company's sponsorship of AFC Wallingford and local rugby, bowls, squash and football clubs, including Cholsey Bluebirds, would continue, said Mr Bailey.

Other sponsorships close to the heart of the former chairman, Richard Rowse, including music festivals and facilities like the Regal Centre, Wallingford, will remain with him.

A spokesman for Wellness Food, a natural, organic and health food company, said the expansion of Rowse Honey could well mean more jobs at Wallingford.

He said: "The vision for Rowse Honey involves continuing it as the market leader in the honey field, together with further investment in the brand, the facilities and the people to meet future growth expectations."

Philip O'Connor, chief executive of Wellness, said: "Richard Rowse has developed a successful business focused on convenient, natural foods that taste great. We share his simple vision of delivering delicious and healthy food in a convenient format."

Neither Wellness nor Rowse would confirm the selling price, but it was widely reported in financial circles to be in the region of £79m.

Rowse Honey was established by Tony Rowse in 1954 and Richard Rowse took over in 1987.

The Rowse brand has become the market leader and provides the honey for own-brand honey to supermarkets nationwide.

The Rowse family also owns Pettits department store and Champions hardware store, both in Wallingford.