Runcorn chemicals firm snapped up by global suitor
RSM, the audit, tax and consulting firm, has advised on the successful sale of Syntor Fine Chemicals, for an undisclosed sum.
Runcorn-based Syntor is a global developer and manufacturer of fine chemicals.
It was established in 2004 and was privately owned by shareholders, Simon Knowles and Andy Kellett.
The business has been acquired by US-based Aceto Chemicals, a global virtual manufacturer supplying niche, differentiated specialty materials in life sciences and advanced technology end markets, with operations in nine countries.
Aceto was acquired by New Mountain Capital in April last year, a New York-based investment firm with more than £16bn in assets under management.
RSM’s team was led by corporate finance partner John Gillibrand, with support from Nick Wyatt and James Jarvis.
Ward Hadaway acted as legal advisors, led by Melanie Yeomans and supported by Mona Mojtabavi and Hollie Walsh.
John Gillibrand said: “Having worked closely with Simon and Andy since advising them on their MBO in 2016, I was delighted that we could help them to achieve this result and complete our third deal in the chemicals sector in recent months.”
Trumont, a chemical sector-focused M&A advisory firm with offices in London and New York, acted as lead corporate finance advisor to the owners of Syntor and managed all aspects of the sale process.
The sale of Syntor to Aceto represents Trumont’s fourth transaction in the fine chemicals sub-sector.
“It was a real honour to work with Simon Knowles and Andy Kellett – they successfully built a high-growth company with a unique business model with leading market positions,” said Komail Thaver, managing director of Trumont.
