SEVEN workers with a Glasgow hair and beauty company have become overnight millionaires after the firm was sold in a £30million deal.

Salon Services, which became one of the biggest hair and beauty product wholesalers in the UK with almost 600 workers and a turnover of £54m, has been bought by American firm Sally Beauty.

The seven workers cashed in because they took up share options with the firm years ago.

Gerry Hegarty, 66, the boss who started the company from a tiny shop in Bridge Street more than 30 years ago, now plans to focus his attentions on other interests, such as his Professional Beauty Supplies firm in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire.

He said: "When I walked out the door on Friday I left behind seven millionaires.

"I was very keen in the early days for staff to have shares in the company and it brought a different work ethic.

"In a week where there has been job fears, like at Weir's, the best thing is there will be no jobs lost or changes and I am leaving behind a good business with great people."

The identities of the seven millionaires have not been revealed.

The wholesale chain, based in Thornliebank, had more than a dozen branches throughout Glasgow and west Scotland and a total of 80 company-owned and franchised locations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Spain.

In addition to its stores and franchises, it also had a mail order catalogue offering more than 9000 products.

New owner Sally Beauty, which has its headquarters in Texas, already has branches in Union Street and Shawlands in Glasgow.

Gary Winterhalter, its president and chief executive officer, said: "Salon Services represents a solid strategic fit for the continued international expansion of our Sally Beauty Supply stores."

The US firm has around 3300 stores, including 170 franchised units throughout America,the UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Japan, Ireland and Germany.

But the sale sparked fears among some Salon Services staff, who were not convinced their jobs would be safe.

One worker, who asked not be named, said: "There are a lot of worried people here"

New owner Sally insisted their fears were groundless and said there would be "no changes" .