A Carlisle accountancy firm has been bought for an undisclosed sum.

ARC Licensed Trade Consultancy has been acquired this month by Warrington-based professional services group Optionis. 

Established in 2009 by Anthony Ringer, ARC specialised in providing accountancy, payroll and consultancy services to the licensed trade industry. 

Following the deal, Mr Ringer will join Optionis as business development director of its ClearSky Business division. 

ARC's existing clients, which include pubs operated by Punch Taverns, Star Pubs & Bars, JW Lees and Robinsons Brewery, will be serviced by the team at ClearSky Business. 

Robert White, managing director of Optionis' small- to medium-sized enterprise business, said: "We are committed to building our presence in the licensed trade sector by building close working relationships with pub companies and pub landlords, and by delivering a first-class service that meets their needs. 

"The ARC business is a perfect fit based on its longstanding relationships and strong client base, particularly in Cumbria, Lancashire and Scotland.

"We are delighted to welcome Anthony to the team and believe his previous experience as a pub landlord, area manager and trade consultant fits perfectly with our strategy to provide pub companies and pub landlords with bespoke advice, based on a combination of specific pub market experience and the delivery of high-quality financial advice." 

As well as ClearSky Business, Optionis is home to Parasol and ClearSky Contractor Accounting. Group turnover for 2014/15 was £314m.