Paul Noall, former head of strategy at Cheshire property developer Eatonfield Group, has bought a majority stake in the Trafford family contracting business in a buy-in/management buyout (BIMBO) deal.

Peter Mills, whose grandfather John founded the business in 1908, has stepped down as managing director but keeps a stake and stays on at the firm.

The firm specialises in shop and office refits in the north west and employs around 50 staff.

In the year to June 30, 2009, Mills made a pre-tax profit of £1m on turnover of £9m, down on the previous year when it made £1.44m on sales of £10.6m.

Noall, a former professional footballer at Blackburn, has taken over as the managing director.

He said: “J Mills has an impressive track record of innovation and high quality service, thanks to the drive and determination of Peter and his predecessors.

“With a strong forward order book and a growing customer base across the region, the new team is well-positioned to accelerate the business’s growth and preserve its well-deserved reputation,” he added.