AC distributor Oceanair Distribution has been bought by investment group Cripps Trust Corporation and former owner Bob Cowlard has gone back to work for Sanyo.
Following the purchase of Oceanair Distribution, which handles Sanyo, LG and Fujitsu equipment, the company's owner and managing director Bob Cowlard has left to work as business planning manager at Sanyo’s ac business, with responsibility for strategy and product development.

Oceanair's existing senior team will manage operations with Richard Tyson becoming managing director, Giles Pratt sales director and David Livingstone operations director.

Bob Cowlard said: “I have no doubt I am leaving Oceanair in good hands. They are an experienced and enthusiastic team, and under their leadership the company is well positioned to move forward to its next stage of growth.”

He added: “I have enjoyed building the business tremendously over the past two years. My return to Sanyo in this new role, however, is a great opportunity and I am excited about the challenge. I am looking forward to helping take the company on in the air conditioning and related markets.”

The deal does not affect Oceanair (UK) Ltd, the Nottingham-based distributor, which continues as a separate stand-alone company.