Building maintenance business Europa has acquired the facilities management division of Operon out of administration.

Leeds-based Operon has 553 employees, who will transfer to Europa and will continue to offer services to its existing public sector clients. The deal, which was sealed for an undisclosed sum, follows Europa's acquisition of office furniture business Eastlake Work Group last year.

Greig Brown, Europa's chief executive, says: 'We continue to be committed to the development of our business and are proud of our record in preserving jobs.'

Europa has 2,200 employees and reported an increase in turnover of 66 per cent to £80 million in 2009.