The owner of The Pro Centre, the photography equipment supplier, has acquired a controlling stake in Richmond Film Services, the specialist audio hire and sales company.

No financial details were revealed.

Stephen Louis, a director of The Pro Centre, said: “Our group has always focused on niche rental markets and Richmond fits this perfectly.”

Founder and previous majority shareholder Nigel Woodford retains a financial interest, and will continue to run the Shepperton Studios-based busines on an interim basis until a successor is found.