Northern Ireland's largest textile company - Strabane-based Adria - is merging with the international Quantum Clothing Group.

Both home-grown companies are major suppliers to Marks & Spencer (M&S), and Adria chairman Dr Terry McCartney said he was delighted with the merger which came as a result of an initiative by his firm.

Dr McCartney said: "We are excited by the potential for investment, growth and job creation which this merger brings."

Adria employs 930 people at its Strabane headquarters and in Campsie manufacturing ladies', children's and men's underwear both at home and in Turkey, Italy and Colombia.

It is the largest hosiery supplier to M&S in the UK and the Victoria's Secret brand in North America.

Quantum employs 2,800 people in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Mauritius and Morocco manufacturing shirts, blouses, underwear and lingerie for M&S.

The merger was welcomed by Invest NI chairman Prof Fabian Monds. "This is a positive move for the textile and clothing sector in Northern Ireland and in particular the north-west.

"Building upon the successful leadership of Adria's management team, led by Terry McCartney, the merger will help secure existing jobs, whilst allowing Adria to develop within very competitive export markets as part of a larger international organisation."

The merger reflected, he added, the core aims of the Invest NI north-west action plan, launched earlier this year, which aims to create greater wealth for the community and provide new job opportunities in the region.

Under the merger, long-standing Adria directors Mr David Taylor and Mr David Hutchinson will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the business, while Dr McCartney will continue as non-executive chairman. - (PA)