BRADFORD-based crisp maker Seabrook Crisps is set for further expansion under new ownership.

The firm has been acquired by its management in a £35 million deal which leads to the exit of the founding Brook family after eight decades in the business.

The management buy-out of Seabrook Crisps led by managing director Jonathan Bye, who joined the company in 2012, has been backed by private equity firm LDC.

The firm, which employs 150 people, will launch a drive to expand manufacturing and increase its share of the £1.1 billion UK crisp market as well as boost international sales.

The transaction will mean a full exit by owner Ken Brook-Chrispin, who led a buyout of other family shareholders in 2006.

Jonathan Bye said: "LDC’s support for the MBO of Seabrook Crisps is great news and will help us to not only deliver but accelerate our growth plan. It will enable us to invest both in our operations to drive further efficiencies and flexibility and to increase marketing investment to continue to build the brand’s national profile.

"Importantly, this will drive the business forward with the same team that has put our winning brand strategy in place. As the main challenger brand in the category we wanted to keep momentum and the same culture and expertise that helped deliver our growth so far."

LDC will take up two seats on Seabrook's board, adding that a chairman will be appointed shortly.

LDC director Ged Gould, who will take up one of the buyout firm's seats on the board, said: "Having established itself as an iconic food brand and become a staple on the shelves of retailers across the country, Seabrook has set its sights firmly on accelerating its growth plans and growing further share in the UK market."

LDC recently said it plans to invest £1.2bn over the next three years in UK mid-sized companies.