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DEALMAKERS


AMIRI ENGINEERS GRAHAM DEAL


The investment firm of one of the North West’s most high-profile dealmakers has bought a long- established advanced manufacturing business headquartered in Nelson.


A2E Industries, founded by Amin Amiri, struck the deal to acquire Graham Engineering (GEL), in July. No figure has been put on the acquisition.


Created in 2001, A2E Industries invests in mid- market companies operating in the manufacturing and technology sectors.


Graham Engineering provides advanced manufacturing solutions across a broad-spectrum of industries including, nuclear, aerospace, security and medical industries.


The business, founded in 1970, has more than 180 workers and strong foundations in nuclear product development, with long term production agreements for major players in the sector.


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Chairman Tony Eckford said: “The completion of this acquisition by A2E Industries will provide long-term certainty and affords Graham Engineering the opportunity to strengthen and grow the capability and capacity of the company across a range of sectors, where significant growth opportunities exist.”


Amin Amiri, chief executive of A2E Industries, said: “We are delighted that whilst other suitors failed to complete a deal, A2E with our innovative and contrarian approach have successfully acquired GEL.


“Our plans are to modernise or automate processes, information systems and to motivate key people with awards of equity to create goal convergence.”


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Experienced industry stalwart Adrian Smith will join GEL, which will remain as a standalone company, as managing director.


Amin Amiri has an impressive track record of investing in and advising private companies stretching over more than two decades. A former head of Grant Thornton’s corporate finance team, the Manchester based industrial entrepreneur’s career began on Wall Street after gaining an executive MBA from Harvard Business School.


A2E currently holds a portfolio of 17 industrial companies, grouped into four specialist sectors, with aggregate sales of around £200m and EBITDA of £19m.


PET FIRM MAKES STRATEGIC CHOICES


Leading pet food, healthcare and accessories manufacturer Pets Choice is continuing on its strategic acquisition trail.


The purchase of the Mikki pet grooming and accessories brand in early August marked its second major deal of the year.


The firm, which is headquartered in Blackburn, is behind brands including Webbox, Bob Martin, Felight and TastyBone.


They were joined in April by the Pettex cat litter and small animal business. No figure has been put on either deal.


Strategic brand acquisitions sit at the heart of Pets Choice’s growth journey and 2024 was a busy year for those deals, with plant- based pet care brand Hownd and premium pet food brand Vet’s Kitchen among its additions, enhancing its presence in the premium pet care sector.


Pets Choice supplies partners in the grocery, independent, pet speciality and e-commerce sectors with high quality products in a variety of formats.


Last October the business announced a record financial year, surpassing the £100m turnover milestone for 2023.


It reported a revenue increase from £95m to £109.7m for the year ending December 31, 2023.


As well as brand acquisitions, new product development, innovation and improved distribution contributed significantly to the company’s performance.


Speaking at the time, Tony Raeburn, chief executive of Pets Choice, said: “We have come a long way in the last few years and to pass through £100m revenues is a milestone for the business.


“However, like any good privately owned business we are re-investing massively into both our brands and infrastructure so that we can continue to drive growth and job security, and we look forward to the future.”


Tony believes this latest deal with Mikki will help the business further consolidate its position as a leader in the pet care industry.


Mikki is a manufacturer of grooming, training and care products for pets with a 40-year history in the market.


Tony said: “This is another fantastic acquisition as we continue our drive into product premiumisation.”


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