Lancashire manufacturer of draught beer fonts snapped up by Danish firm

Porter Lancastrian, a leading manufacturer of draught beer fonts, has been sold to a Danish company.

Valpar Micro Matic has acquired the Chorley-based business for an undisclosed sum.

The Lancashire manufacturer which has its own facility with in-house design, engineering and sales functions, was founded in 1936 and employs 40 people.

The company offers a wide variety of standard draught beer fonts, tap handles and lenses, and customers can also create their own artwork and have a complete branded draught beer font.

The acquisition complements Micro Matic’s existing business and strengthens its position in the UK market.

Andrew Brown, managing director of Porter Lancastrian, will continue in his role of managing the day-to-day business of the company after the acquisition.

He said: “By becoming part of Micro Matic we can achieve positive synergies in our home market, and at the same time we get access to valuable knowledge and know-how, not least through Micro Matic’s global sales organisation.”

John O’Neill, managing director of Valpar Micro Matic, added: “Porter Lancastrian is a proficient enterprise with a long history, competent employees and visionary management.

“We do not often find a company that complements our own business so wel.l”

Accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers advised the shareholders of Porter Lancastrian (Holdings).

The team was led by corporate finance director Dean Curtis with support from corporate finance manager Patrick Wilson and tax partner Will Campbell.

Dean Curtis said: “The transaction highlights the continued interest from international businesses looking to enter or strengthen their position in the UK market.

“I am confident that the company will be able to achieve the next stages of its growth strategy, and further enhance its position as a high-quality North-West business operating in the UK and internationally”.

Legal advice for the sellers was provided by a team led by Benjamin Dredge, managing partner at CG Professional with support from colleagues Samantha Pickover and Rory Manning.

Valpar Micro Matics Ltd was represented by Penningtons Manches Cooper (legal) and ASM Chartered Accountants (financial and tax due diligence).