Swedish group swoops for signwriting specialist

One of the UK’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of brand-building signage and graphic solutions has been acquired by the privately owned Swedish corporate group Mindelon AB.

Astley Signs, which has a major production site at Kettering in Northamptonshire, was established in 1924 and today boasts annual sales of around £16m.

It produces signage and graphics for a raft of big-name brands including Sainsbury’s, Greggs, Asda and Cancer Research UK.

Mindelon AB acquires, supports and develops technology-based businesses.

It has snapped up all of the shares in Astley, which will now become an independent company in the Swedish group’s retail solutions business area.

Fredrik Celsing, president and CEO of Mindelon AB, said: “Astley helps its customers to sharpen their profile and build their brands through innovative, eye-catching and effective signage solutions.

“For many years, the company has had proven operational ability and strong relationships with large global players. Astley will therefore be an exciting and valuable addition to our retail solutions business area where we will support the company as it continues its successful journey. It is also exciting that the Mindelon group now has a solid foothold in the British market.”

Confidential Corporate Finance advised Mindelon on the transaction.