That's how the takeover of Ramsey shipping line Mezeron has been described by the executors of the estate of the company's late owner Guy Barrett OBE.

And the multimillion-pound deal with Isle of Man-based ship management firm Döhle, which was signed last Thursday, promises to herald expanded sea freight services to and from the Island.

An earlier take-over deal with the Sefton Group, which had been agreed in principle, fell through earlier this year following protracted negotiations.

Döhle (IoM) Ltd, based at Fort Anne, described the take-over as 'friendly' and one that had been supported by Mezeron's present shareholders and management.

It said the latest investment would complement its existing portfolio of services while helping secure the diversity of transport to and from the Isle of Man by strengthening Mezeron's financial position.

The regular services into Ramsey from the Lancashire port of Glasson Dock and Belfast with the freighter MV Silver River will be continued and possibly increased in frequency under the new ownership. The purchase of a new ship to replace the Silver River is also being considered.

There will be no job losses among Mezeron's 15 full-time staff including seafarers and six part-time shore based staff.

Executor Clive Dixon, a partner in chartered accountants Moore Stephens, said: 'This is a great opportunity for Mezeron.

'It is a great marriage of a Manx shipping company with a shipping company based in the Isle of Man – a marriage made in heaven.'

Norman Leece, Mezeron's operations director, said: 'The purchase of Mezeron by Döhle ensures that we will continue in business with the peace of mind that we are owned by a like-minded company. This is something which I know Guy Barrett, the late founder of Mezeron, would have wanted.'