Fish and chip shop chain Harry Ramsden's has been bought by Fishworks owner Ranjit Boparan.
The entrepreneur, who rescued four of the 10 Fishworks sites from administration a year ago, plans to open up to 100 new Harry Ramsden's sites in the UK in the next five years, creating about 600 new jobs.
He said: "Harry Ramsden's is a great British institution and we want to put it back on the map by focusing on the fundamental basics of superb service, exceptional value and, most importantly, the very best tasting fish and chips you can buy.
The deal was completed yesterday. Former owners SSP said they had been looking to sell the 36 sites, mostly in seaside resorts, travel locations and shopping centres, 'for some time'. They will continue to operate two outlets - at Euston railway station and Glasgow airport under franchise.
Andrew Lynch, SSP chief executive said: "We took the decision to sell Harry Ramsden’s some time ago to enable us to focus on our core business in travel locations, and we are delighted that this deal has now been completed. Harry Ramsden’s is an iconic brand with an impressive heritage. We’re certain that its success will continue under its new owners."
Harry Ramsden's was founded in 1928 and developed into a leading fish and chip shop brand. The brand boasts it has the largest fish and chip shop in the world in Guiseley, Leeds.
As well as Fishworks, overseen by chief executive Marija Simovic, and Harry Ramsden's, Boparan owns a number of businesses in the food sector including international poultry processor 2 Sisters Food Group.