Birmingham manufacturer becomes third largest in its field with new deal

Hills Numberplates

Birmingham-based number plate manufacturer, Hills Numberplates, has undergone further expansion with the acquisition of a US business in an undisclosed deal.

The company has acquired 100% of the privately-held shares of engineered systems integrator, John R. Wald Company.

Wald, founded in 1924, operates from a 26,000 sq ft facility in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, employing 26 people. It has an established portfolio of license plate products and engineered systems.

It will operate as a division of Hills but will maintain its company name, brand and workforce. In tandem with the deal, Eric E. Rizzuto has been recruited to be Wald’s new CEO.

This acquisition, together with that of French market leader, Faab Fabricauto in 2015, has positioned Hills as the third largest number plate supplier in the world.

Richard Taffinder, managing director, Hills Group, said: “Our own global leadership in the license plate industry and 90-years of experience, combined with our advanced manufacturing processes and well-established supply chain, will drive new and innovative license plate solutions as well as an expanded product portfolio that will satisfy the evolving needs of Wald customers and the wider market in the Americas and beyond.

“With the union of these two financially-sound industry leaders, our one company increases its market share significantly and can better leverage its combined teams, resources and know-how for the enhanced delivery of products and services to customers globally in both the public and private sectors.”

Funding for the acquisition was provided through NatWest’s Commercial and Private Banking Team in Birmingham.

Eric Rizzuto, CEO, Hills Numberplates US, Michael Rodli, Wald and Richard Taffinder

Scott Peters, Associate Director at NatWest, who led the deal, said: “It’s an exciting time for Hills Numberplates as they continue on their journey from being the largest national supplier of numberplates to one of the largest global suppliers.

“This acquisition is yet another great addition to complement their existing business. The management team have done an exceptional job on delivering on the business’s strategy and we’re delighted to be able to support them in this acquisition.”

Legal and financial advice was provided by Irwin Mitchell, Birmingham, headed by Robert Laugharne and Mazars, headed by David Preston.

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