34 DEALMAKERS


Continued from Page 33


Lancashire has seen a raft of multi-million pound deals in 2024, with the businesses involved proving tempting targets for growth hungry overseas buyers.


Blackburn based tissue manufacture Accrol was acquired by Navigator Paper in a £130m deal. Navigator is part of a large Portuguese integrated pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and biomass-based energy company, listed with a market capitalisation of approximately €2.75bn.


Star Tissue, one of the UK’s leading independent makers of hygiene paper products, also based in Blackburn, was sold to German-headquartered hygiene group WEPA Professional, a family run business with a turnover of more than £1bn. No figure was revealed.


And Accrington based managed transport specialist CMAC Group was bought by one of the world’s largest land transport companies. The £80m-plus deal with the Singapore headquartered ComfortDelGro Corporation will “turbo-charge” CMAC’s growth, according to chief executive Peter Slater.


Glimpses of an


improving market are appearing as investor confidence makes a comeback


Amid this local activity, nationally the M&A market is showing signs of improvement, with deal watchers pointing to the economy moving in the right direction.


James Wild, partner and head of M&A at RSM UK, says: “UK M&A activity has been subdued this past 18 months, but glimpses of an improving market are appearing as investor confidence makes a comeback.”


He added: “While appetite to sell is building and sellers’ price expectations are realigning to current market conditions, deals are still taking longer to complete.


“That said, after sitting on their hands for some time, the private equity market is starting to make its return. Pressure to deploy the build-up of cash will likely see sectors such as business services, technology and healthcare benefit the most.”


A SOUTHERN OPPORTUNITY


Mark D’Amico (left), general manager at Laser Profiles and James Pickles, WEC service centre manager


Darwen-based fabrication and contract manufacturing company WEC Group has expanded its presence in the south.


The UK’s largest metal profiling and fabrication company has acquired Bournemouth business Laser Profiles for an undisclosed sum.


WEC says that the acquisition is part of a long- term growth strategy to extend its reach across all corners of the UK and reinforce its market leading position in the contract manufacturing sector.


Laser has a history going back more than 25 years and its Dorset operation is home to a wide array of technology.


James Pickles, service centre manager at WEC Group, said: “The addition of Laser Profiles to the WEC Group represents another important milestone in our ongoing expansion plans.


“As our first manufacturing site in the south of the UK, it will open the door to further growth as we gain access to new target markets.”


WEC Group has a history of successful integrations, with past acquisitions including MTL Advanced in Rotherham, HTA Group in Coventry and 5750 Components in Knowsley, Merseyside.


It says each acquisition has strategically expanded its capabilities and market reach, “affirming its commitment to excellence in


the UK manufacturing supply chain”. The latest deal comes as work continues on the construction of WEC’s new £10m heavy machining and nuclear fabrication plant on Blackburn’s Walker Park.


Once open it will be the largest facility of its kind in Europe and is set to create 60 new jobs.


The 60,000 sq ft state-of-the-art plant also marks a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing expansion strategy.


WEC says that development will also help cement its position as “the premier subcontract manufacturing business in the UK”.


The new facility is being built next to the existing WEC Machining facility and its apprentice academy.


The purpose-built development will support the UK’s industrial capabilities in key sectors such as nuclear, defence, offshore, and general engineering.


WEC Group has been at the forefront of the UK metal fabrication and engineering industry for more than 40 years.


The Bournemouth operation adds to its 900 staff and nine manufacturing sites in Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire and the West Midlands and its15 specialist divisions.


innovative Lancashire • Manchester • Leeds


Ideas are the lifeblood of innovation. Our team of legal specialists are here to help you realise the full


potential of your latest venture. Talk to us about your vision and we’ll work with you to make it happen.


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