Under the terms of the deal the Combico name will be used for the specialist engineer training arm of First Choice. Steve Weston, founder of Combico, will continue to run the engineers training courses for Rational combi ovens already planned for this year. The venue for them is being relocated to Cannock.

Steve Weston says, ‘The amalgamation of Combico UK Ltd with First Choice Catering Spares Ltd is the inevitable consequence of two determined and committed companies striving to succeed in a similar market place. We are specialised businesses dedicated to supporting the commercial catering industry service companies.

“Each business has an individual focus and provides a unique service. Together we set a clear benchmark for service and quality in the commercial catering spares industry.

“When it comes to providing technical support and prompt spares service for Rational cooking appliances we are now clearly the best option.”

John Whitehouse of First Choice agrees. “The two businesses have a natural synergy and combining our resources is a win-win for the customers of both companies.

“The highly regarded Combico training courses will now find a new home at the well-equipped First Choice Training Centre at the heart of the country, close to the national motorway network.

“Customers of both companies will also gain access to an even larger stock of Rational OEM spares available for next day delivery.”

Lee Norton, UK managing director of Rational says: ‘Combico has been a very reliable partner to Rational over the years and provided excellent training to our customers and partners.

“The acquisition by First Choice makes sense and the combination of the existing product knowledge coupled with the more central location for training can only be a benefit for our customers.

“First Choice already provide great service for the supply of spare parts and cleaning products to our customers and the additional benefit of training will further extend the level of support they give.”