Abru goes Stateside
Who?
Belper-based Abru, which supplies products to wholesalers and retailers including B&Q, Homebase, Argos and Wilkinsons.
Did what?
Has been sold by its German owner Vaillant Group to Werner, the world’s leading ladder manufacturer, based in Pennsylvania, US.
What does this mean?
Vaillant has been looking to dispose of Abru since 2000 when it acquired the company as part of another deal, but has been unable to attract a suitable price.
Who advised?
Keith Pickering from Catalyst Corporate Finance’s Nottingham office along with Leigh Daveran led the deal to completion.
Insider comment:
This is undoubtedly a slow burner, with Vaillant trying to offload this business for a decade and bringing in Catalyst to secure a buyer. In 2008 Catalyst had a couple of offers, but the uncertain trading environment left vendors unsure about the future of the business so these were put to one side until management had dealt with “the operational issues of the business“.
Keith Pickering from Catalyst Corporate Finance’s Nottingham office along with Leigh Daveran led the deal to completion.
