Merseyside canopy manufacturer acquired by private investor

Posted on 5 Jun 2014 by Callum Bentley

British manufacturer, BMB Weatherproof Canopies Ltd, has been acquired by William Ravenna, a private investor and serial entrepreneur, in a transaction managed by international M&A advisor BCMS.

Merseyside-based BMB Weatherproof Canopies Ltd are manufacturers supplying both industrial and consumer markets. The company’s primary market is the manufacture of bespoke cabs in steel and PVC for the fork truck industry, providing a turnkey service to customers in that market.

In consumer markets, the company manufactures tailored boot liners for all makes and models of hatchback cars. The company has enjoyed a prolonged period of growth and is poised to expand further in future.

BCMS deal leader Ilan Elfassy, who managed the transaction, commented: “UK manufacturing has been resurgent over the past 18 months and M&A activity in the space has been equally vibrant. BMB Weatherproof Canopies Ltd is an excellent business, which has enjoyed strong growth in its chosen markets. With the addition of William Ravenna’s drive and vision the company will undoubtedly go from strength to strength.”

BCMS was engaged by the shareholders to identify suitable acquirers for the business and to negotiate the best possible sale of the company. The BCMS research team identified a number of companies that could potentially acquire the business, including manufacturers, industrial services providers and private investors.

Following discreet approaches by the BCMS team 20 companies expressed a more serious interest in the acquisition, some of whom went on to meet with the shareholders to discuss the business at greater depth. Ultimately, three parties tabled offers for the business.

The successful acquirer, William Ravenna, a private investor and serial entrepreneur, tabled the most compelling offer for the business. The company will be added to Mr Ravenna’s existing portfolio of investments, which has previously included manufacturing operations.