Bosses at Ongar-based crop science firm Aventis have finalised the sale and handover of the firm's Fyfield Road research & development headquarters.

The deal means that the site, which has been home to scientific researchers for more than 50 years, will move into 2002 under new management.

The new landlords have been named as Quadrant Business Parks Ltd - a London-based property development and management group with a background in running science and technology parks.

Aventis spokesman Clive Rainbird reported that 110 sales, finance and marketing staff would remain at the site, which houses the firm's UK commercial headquarters.

In addition, he said, the firm was "delighted" to confirm that around 50 of its former R&D workers had taken up job offered to them by two newly-arrived US firms - Scynexis and Battelle - that have rented office and laboratory space at Fyfield Road.

The news is sure to be welcomed by those who feared a brain drain following the announcement late last year that Aventis - then Ongar's largest employer - was to halt all R&D activity in the town.

The news had initially sparked fears that up to 300 jobs could be threatened. Ongar MP Eric Pickles described the situation as "very bad news for the staff".

But speaking this week Mr Rainbird said that Aventis was pleased to be retaining its links with the area.

He said: "We believe that the local community will be best served by this outcome as there will be opportunities for suppliers and service providers as well as employment seekers.

"This move ensures that the relationship between Ongar, agriculture and agricultural research - a relationship that is now over 50 years old - will continue."

Published Monday January 14, 2002