THE shareholders of Auto Windscreens' parent Heywood Williams have voted in favour of the £97.8 million sale of the glass specialist to HSBC Private Equity and its co-investors. This latest twist in Auto Windscreens' 27-year history transforms it from a public to private concern, but sees the senior management team remain in charge.

Mark Usher, managing director, said: 'The management at Auto Windscreens is delighted to be teamed up with HSBC Private Equity. We know that by focusing on our core service in what we believe to be the world's most diverse and exciting aftermarket, the company will continue to take market share and offer the UK's most competitive, service-orientated automotive glazing service.'