UK barbecue brand Outback has been taken over by China-based manufacturer TPA Metals and Machinery Ltd.
Long-standing majority shareholder TPA bought the remaining shares from Outback founder Eric Hopper's daughter Julie Channer. A statement from Outback, which started as a family-owned business in 1979, also announced a new distribution agreement with partners Unipart Leisure and Marine, and reported a year-on-year sales increase of 18% for 2010.

Outback UK chief executive Mark Osborne said: "Julie and her co-directors decided the time was right to sell the business after many years establishing it as a first-choice brand among consumers buying from garden centres, major DIY outlets and supermarkets. It's all change for 2011, with new offices, new distribution and new products."

He said that TPA was "a natural partner to ensure a bright future for the Outback brand".

TPA chief executive Victor Lin said: "We have had a successful and long-standing relationship working alongside Outback from original design to final barbecue shipment, and look forward to developing a business that has a proven track record for growth among UK customers."

TPA is a global manufacturer in the liquid petroleum gas industry for domestic and commercial appliances. It has a turnover of $80m and employs 1,200 people.