Insider Media Limited

Who?

West Bromwich’s Walsall, a specialist in the development, certification and production of electromechanical products for use in hazardous areas.

Did what?

Has been bought by Pepperl+Fuchs, a German manufacturer of electronic sensors and a big name in the field of intrinsically safe explosion protection.

What does this mean?

Walsall, which was established 117 years ago, serves major oil and gas companies such as Shell, BP and Chevron, and worldwide engineering companies such as Petrofac, KBR, Foster Wheeler & Snamprogetti.

Who advised?

Gary Hyem of M3 Corporate Finance in Birmingham acted as lead advisor to the shareholders, WITH legal advice from Richard Underwood at Martineau. Tax advice was provided by David Thomas of Spencer Gardner Dickins, with financial support from Ian Baker of Bache Brown.

Insider comment:

Rob Whorrod, co-owner of Walsall, said: "In order to ensure continued market growth, Walsall is delighted to have agreed a deal with Pepperl+Fuchs, a company with more than 30 subsidiaries worldwide. Through the acquisition, P+F will expand its existing process automation product range and enter the electromechanical explosion protection market. By combining the product and manufacturing strengths of Walsall with the expertise and sales network of P+F, this vertical integration will allow us to respond to customers’ requirements faster and with more comprehensive components and solutions."