Derbyshire curtain manufacturer closes deal to buy rival

A manufacturer of lace net and sheer curtains has bought a competitor in a deal which was funded by Barclays.

Derbyshire based, Filigree Holdings has acquired R E Ashworth & Co for an undisclosed sum.

Filigree Holdings can trace its roots back to 1850 when Mr Browne & Co, Lacemakers, was founded in Draycott, Derbyshire. In the 1920s its directors included Sir William Hicking, Sir Ernest Jardine and Sir Stanley Birkin, doyens of the traditional Nottingham Lace Industry.

At that time the company was based at Queens Road, Nottingham. After 40 years in South Normanton, the company moved in 2015 to its’ current premises in Ripley, Derbyshire.

Today Filigree’s manufacturing has been extended to sourcing from many countries in the world whilst still retaining its reputation for design, quality, customer service and value.

R E Ashworth & Co, based in Daybrook, Nottingham, was established over 85 years ago by Richard Ashworth, a local Magistrate, and later Lord Mayor of Nottingham. The principal activity of the company is manufacture, finishing and distribution of lace curtains, net curtains and napery.

Luke Mulligan, director of Filigree Holdings said: “The acquisition of R E Ashworth provides a natural fit with the Filigree business and will enable us to expand our offering to our customer base.”

Ashley Hallam, relationship director for Barclays said: “Both Filigree and R E Ashworth are well known brands within the industry that both have a wealth of history and expertise within the field. The merger of these two businesses will provide opportunities for further growth and expansion.”

The company has a combined workforce of 90 people.