Citect, the Australian company which claims to be the world`s largest independent supplier of industrial automation software, has bought its UK distributor, Birmingham-based Automation Products. The former owner, Paul Hurst, will remain as MD of the business, which will be renamed Citect.

Hurst says that the deal is "a clear demonstration that Citect has the strength to defy the bear market in UK manufacturing," says Hurst. "There is strong evidence that overall growth will increase in 2003 and we hope to take full advantage of that."

Citect`s chief executive Wayne Morris says that the acquisition will improve customer service and support for UK customers. Citect recently opened an office in Guangzhou in Southern China. It already has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Chonging.