Chemicals firm boosts growth strategy with acquisition
Manchester-based Richard Baker Harrison (RBH), a supplier of speciality functional materials, additives and chemicals to the polymer and related industry, has acquired privately-owned Dunwood Polymers, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal creates a new independent company, Dunwood Specialities Limited (DSL).
As a direct complement to RBH’s specialty product offerings, DSL will specialise in the distribution of water-based polymer dispersions and high quality performance materials to the adhesive/sealant, construction, coatings and agricultural sectors.
The new company will help create stronger links to these industries and align with RBH’s vision to overcome challenges in the production of complex formulations.
RBH, part of Liverpool-based OBG Pharmaceuticals, has a long history of growth and investment in people, products and principals within the chemical distribution sector.
The decision to include York-based Dunwood in the family of RBH companies represents an important strategic investment for RBH as it continues to broaden its portfolio of products and resources to support customers and principals further, it said.
Peter Stanton and Stacey Turner, key members of the Dunwood management team, will remain with the business, underlining the commitment of both organisations to create added value for customers and stakeholders.
Peter Stanton, owner of Dunwood Polymers, said: “We are very excited by RBH’s acquisition and the opportunity it creates to deliver on our customers’ requirements. I am delighted to be part of a team whose entrepreneurial spirit means we will work together to offer a wider portfolio of materials and more efficient supply chains to help us focus on service and broaden our innovation horizons.”
Martin Cicognani, managing director of RBH, said: “This investment provides us with a wider scope for future-focused development and a strong customer base for our products and services that will help to inspire change across our specialist markets.
“We are excited to launch Dunwood Specialities as part of the RBH Group and look forward to its immediate contributions to our success together.”
RBH dates back to 1858 and, through a series of mergers and acquisitions, is now part of the O’Brien Group of Companies (OBG). Today the group employs more than 300 personnel and generates revenues in excess of £80m.
RBH operates five strategically located warehouses across Europe and represents a number of international market leading principals. The business is poised for further growth as it delivers on its organic and inorganic growth strategy within its current and future markets.
