Knowledgepool, the Brighton-based IT training company, was yesterday sold to private investment firm Root Capital.

The business was sold as a going concern following Menzies Corporate Restructuring's appointment as administrators in January.

The new company will continue to use the trading name KnowledgePool and work with the existing management.

Financial details have not been disclosed.

Those behind the buyout say it has ensured the business stays intact while saving a "majority of jobs".

But at this stage it is unclear whether this means there will be further redundancies, following the 30 or so announced recently.

A dozen workers from KnowledgePool's office in Bond Street, Brighton lost their jobs at the start of the month. Other jobs went at offices in Bracknell and Stockport.

Eight of the former members of KnowledgePool's management team will continue to manage the business day to day, including Michael Copestake as CEO.

Thursday February 12, 2004