No barriers to growth after £22m acquisition of bollard business

Hill & Smith has strengthened its position in supplying infrastructure products including bollards and barriers with the £22.5m acquisition of ATG Access.

The deal results in the exit of LDC, which first backed St Helens-based ATG in 2013.

Hill & Smith is a stock market-listed group which mainly manufactures products for the construction industry. A significant part of its £600m turnover comes from infrastructure products for roads, such as permanent and temporary road safety barriers, hostile vehicle mitigation products and street lighting columns.

Derek Muir, Hill & Smith’s group chief executive, said: “The acquisition provides the group with a strong platform to introduce new products and new geographies, thereby accelerating the expansion of both our existing UK and international roads businesses.”

ATG generates annual sales of £21m from its high security vehicle barrier systems, which are used in airports, stadia, railway stations, office developments and shopping centres.

It exports to more than 30 countries, with around 40% of its turnover coming from international markets.

Gavin Hepburn, managing director of ATG Access, said: “This is the next step in our growth journey and will bring exciting new opportunities to our people and our customers.

“Becoming part of a global group like Hill & Smith will support our business continue to grow in overseas markets around the world.”