Forty jobs at a Maldon-based product-testing centre have been safeguarded with the news of a £4.5 million takeover deal.

Globecrown International, which moved from Chelmsford to bigger premises in Maldon High Street in 1996, has been taken over by American firm Hill Top Research Incorporated, the world's biggest consumer product tester.

Globecrown was formed in 1996 to meet the needs of new European legislation on testing products on humans. It now employs more than 14,000 volunteers to test products at sites around the South East and Derbyshire.

Tony Barlow, founder of the company, said: "This is a very exciting time for everyone at Globecrown.

"The new company will bring lots of money to Essex and safeguard the employment of all current staff and volunteers."

Barry Drewitt, manager of the Maldon centre, said with the corporate backing of such a large company as Hill Top Research, the company would be able to expand its facilities.

The firm will be remaining in Maldon where Mr Drewitt said it had built up a large database of volunteers. But it would be looking at premises in the Chelmsford town centre as well, with the possibility of creating 30 new jobs. The company also has a centre at Derby where 15 people work.

Mr Drewitt added Globecrown was Hill Top Research's first acquisition in Europe and Dr Barlow would be director of European Operations.

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