175-year-old ironmongery firm seeks buyer

A LONG-established, family owned, Lancashire ironmongery business has been put up for sale by its fifth generation owner.

Mercer & Sons Limited, based at Pump Street, Blackburn, which has been based in the town since 1840, has appointed FRP Advisory to lead the sale process.

The company, which operates a trade centre selling a wide range of products including door handles, powertools, locks, bolts, brackets and hinges, had net assets of £844,451 in the year to the end of March 2015.

Managing director and majority shareholder Bill Haggas, 70, said: “We have concluded that after many years of running the company we should sell in order to secure the future of the business and the continued employment of our loyal workforce.

“Whilst a sale may secure the best long-term future for the business we are mindful of the need to liaise carefully with our staff in order to safeguard the best interests of trading and the on-going business.”

FRP Advisory will be working closely with Mercer’s staff, customers and suppliers over the coming weeks to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. Discussions are already under way with interested parties.

David Thornhill, partner at FRP Advisory said: “As with any business sale the aim of the process is to ensure that Mercers continues to operate as normal whilst working with the business’ customers and suppliers to ensure a smooth transition.

“We have already received several expressions of interest in the business and the intention is to conclude a sale over the course of the next few weeks. We would like to thank staff for their assistance during this period as we seek to secure a longer term future for the business after five generations of family-ownership.”