THE Brinton family are selling control of their carpet dynasty, marking the end of an era in Kidderminster’s industrial history.

Brintons Carpets, founded by William Brinton in 1783, has been passed down through six generations to Michael Brinton who chaired the coampany for almost 20 years and now serves as a non-executive director and honorary president.

His great-grandfather, John Brinton, ran the company for 50 years.

Brintons is famous for prestigious contracts which include carpeting the new Wembley Stadium, royal residences and taking the world's largest ever woven carpet order, in 1997, for the Chek Lap Kok international airport in Hong Kong.

Managing director Don Coates said the family are willing to give up private ownership to move the firm forward.

He said: “Today, the Brinton family owns the business but the likely outcome is that they will lose control. The new investors will probably control the business but the precise level of control is up for discussion.”

He added: “This is a truly international, global business and to really fulfil its true potential, it needs investment. If the family don’t have the money in the bank then it’s a smart move to bring in a new investor. It’s better to have a smaller share of a bigger pie.”

He went on: “Brintons has a strategy and a business plan which involves plans to finish a new factory in China and the expansion of our existing premises.

“To really take the business forward we identified that we need to bring in £20 million from outside investors. We set the ball rolling about six months ago and have had considerable interest because it’s a fantastic brand and a leader in its sector.

“The company is now in exclusive negotiations with a serious blue chip investor, which cannot be named due to a confidentiality agreement, but I am confident that a few weeks down the line it will be complete.”

The deal will spell the end of the 228-year line of Brintons who have inherited roles in the running of the family business.