Swedish investment firm swoops for North West manufacturing group

A Preston manufacturing company has completed a multimillion-pound sale, for an undisclosed sum.

Multi-Ply Components, which makes a range of carbon fibre components for medical equipment around the world, has been acquired by MedCap AB, a Swedish investment firm specialising in medical equipment.

MedCap AB completed the purchase from major shareholders Peter and Sue Bourne, who incorporated the company back in 1998, plus minority sellers Peter Appleton and Sarah Kelsall.

Peter and Sue Bourne were advised by regional law firm Napthens and its team of corporate solicitors, Keith Melling, Paul Hardy, Jo Cooper, Charlotte Walsh, Chris King and Bethanie Crawford on a range of matters regarding the sale, including on commercial property and employment issues.

Keith Melling, head of corporate at Napthens, said: “Peter and Sue have worked to successfully grow Multi-ply for decades and approached us for support when they felt the time was right to sell their business.

“We’re happy to have successfully completed another international deal and wish them the best of luck going forward.”

Multi-Ply last week announced the start of work on a 40,000 sq ft custom-built commercial unit at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

The multimillion-pound advanced manufacturing facility is the first council-backed unit to be built as part of the Phase One development plans for the zone, located at the eastern end of the existing business park.

Built by Preston-based Eric Wright Construction, it will serve as the new headquarters for Multi-Ply.

Multi-Ply director, Sue Bourne, said last week: “We have been falling over ourselves in our current units and all the staff are eagerly anticipating working in brand new, purpose-built premises. This will have a major impact on all aspects of our business.”