Manufacturer swoops for international player to create £410m group

Burton manufacturer of high-precision alloy engineering components, Doncasters, has acquired Uni-Pol, a global business specialising in the manufacture of superalloy cast parts.

Doncasters can trace its roots back to 1778, when the company’s founder, Daniel Doncaster applied the crucible steel-making process to the manufacture of hand tools. From creating forging tools, Doncasters developed a reputation for quality craftmanship, reliability and metallurgical knowledge.

The firm now has eleven advanced production facilities across Europe and the US and has a customer base that includes Siemens, GE, Rolls-Royce, Ansaldo, BorgWarner, Garrett Motion and Cummins.

Established in 2005, Uni-Pol has four manufacturing facilities in China, India, Mexico and the UK.

The acquisition means that Doncasters will have an annual revenue of over £410m and employ nearly 3,000 people across seven countries.

Deloitte provided Doncasters corporate finance advisory, due diligence and tax structuring advice from the Midlands, led by Darren Boocock and Andy Moody. Pinsent Masons provided Doncasters legal advice, led by Nicole Livesey and Vicci Baker.

Mike Quinn, CEO of Doncasters, said: “Some time ago, we identified Uni-Pol as a natural fit with the Doncasters group of businesses. The additional support from the group gives Uni-Pol extensive opportunities to further develop its offering and, in turn, Doncasters will benefit from Uni-Pol’s additional expertise and technology. It also broadens Doncasters’ product offering, benefiting existing and new international customers, particularly those in Asia and South America.

“This is an exciting time for the Doncasters group of businesses, as we invest in upgrading our operating equipment, technology platforms and capabilities, so that we can be more efficient, accurate, timely and can compete on a wider scale. We’ll also be strengthening and developing our talent, who will benefit from the opportunities created by this acquisition,” concluded Quinn.

David Orr, CEO of Uni-Pol, said: “This is a fantastic new chapter in our history. This synergy is great for our people and for our customers as we focus on supplying complex, high-quality competitive products for the automotive and aerospace industries on an international scale. I’m looking forward to working together as one team, towards what looks like a bright future for us all.”

Darren Boocock, partner at Deloitte, added: “This is a great transaction for both Doncasters and Uni-Pol; the fit was clear from the beginning. We worked very closely with the management team at Doncasters, providing a range of specialist services on the transaction led from the Midlands, including acting as corporate finance advisor and providing financial and tax due diligence, and tax structuring advice.”

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