a result of its recent purchase of Purvis Limited.

The wholesale company laid off 15 employees last Friday, most of whom worked in the warehouse for periods of two years and up.

BGA group of companies president Mr. Ward Young said yesterday he would announce further layoffs in the company by the end of the month.

But he would not disclose how many employees would lose their jobs saying the exact number had not yet been decided on.

Mr. Young stressed that the 15 employees who lost their jobs last Friday had been given seven months' notice.

He said he personally met with them to tell them the bad news and offer them a loyalty bonus of 10 percent of their salary if they agreed to stay with the company for four months.

Mr. Young added he offered to help find jobs for those unable to find employment in that period.

They were also told they would be given an extended discount on BGA products as a result of being made redundant, he said.

"We anticipated these layoffs with the amalgamation of the two companies,'' he said. "It is common when two like businesses join that there are economies of scale and you get people holding similar jobs.'' He added those laid off later this month would be assisted in finding new jobs as well.

The BGA group of companies became the Island's largest wholesaler employing a total work force of 120 when it bought Purvis Ltd. -- whose main shareholder was the Hon. Sir John Sharpe -- in February and another rival, Weldon Ltd., a year ago.

The company is part of the BDC group, which includes the Phoenix Stores.

MR. Ward Young.