The move makes StarTech the largest all-round production company in the Oxford area, offering an extensive inventory of the latest sound, lighting and AV equipment for all types of events, shows and applications.

The Tiger Hire purchase brings with it a substantial Turbosound Floodlight sound system, Soundcraft and Allen & Heath consoles, C-Audio amplification and all the latest processing, outboard and effects.

In a serendipitous and mutual 'meeting of the minds', StarTech's Roy Narraine and Tiger Hire's Jim Parsons were discussing their respective futures one day ...... and quite literally, the idea of cutting a deal started from there!.

Narraine wanted to expand his 9 year old company, while Parsons was looking to focus on the production and tour management element of his business, which has been burgeoning in the last 12 months.

Parsons had reached the crossroads where he had to make a decision about the future direction of the Tiger Hire as he had more than enough work for both the rental company and himself as PM/TM. "After 26 fabulous years of running a successful rental operation, I decided it was time for a change. It was vitally important to me to ensure that the spirit, energy and quality production values of Tiger Hire were preserved, and that all my clients were looked after. Roy came up with the perfect offer at a very opportune time".

Narraine adds, "I'm really excited and exceptionally lucky. Tiger Hire is one of the best loved and highly respected brands of the pro audio industry, and I am looking forward to taking it into a new era".

Parsons also wanted to ensure that the transition would be seamless for his existing rental clients, and so is initially involved in a consultative capacity, co-ordinating Tiger Hire's active work schedule as the company's ownership changes hands.

StarTech's current and recent work includes providing sound for Reading's buzzing live music venue, The Fez Club, shows with Courtney Pine and Goldie Lookin' Chain, supplying sound and lighting for the Roehampton College Summer Ball and the opening of Stratford Terminus  - east London's newest public transport portal. They have also just been confirmed as sound and lighting contractor for two stages at Oxfordshire's rapidly growing Truck Festival.

Jim Parsons is currently tour managing The Waterboys World tour which runs until May 2007 and is trying to find time for other projects including teaching  sound engineering techniques in Plymouth.