ENERGY efficiency company Eaga yesterday announced the acquisition of the White Horse Group, as it continues to work towards its aim of pushing turnover through the £1bn mark by 2010.

The Newcastle-based firm has paid an undisclosed sum for the White Horse Group, whose largest subsidiary company is heating provider Heat Energy and Associated Technology (Heat).

Heat has a £30m turnover and employs 320 people at its sites in Leeds and Belfast.

Earlier this year, Eaga acquired the Everwarm Group, which has a £12m annual turnover, for an undisclosed sum.

By 2010, the company plans to increase its turnover to more than £1bn and create 1,000 jobs nationwide.

Eaga - which employs about 700 people in the region - is the UK's largest residential energy provider, and helps vulnerable or elderly people heat their homes and reduce their bills by installing energy-efficient heating and household appliances.

It also has operations in Ireland, India and Canada.

John Clough, Eaga chief executive, said: "This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our position as a major player in the social housing heating sector delivering high-quality services in that market."

Bill McCandless, managing director of Heat, said: "Eaga and Heat share very similar company values and ethos. Working together with customers in the social housing sector we expect to offer an unrivalled service."