US group steps in for Wardle Storeys

LANCASHIRE manufacturer Wardle Storeys has been acquired by US group Uniroyal Engineered Products.

Wardle, based in Earby, near Nelson, employs 250 staff making polymer films and coated fabrics.

It supplies a number of sectors including the motor industry, healthcare, and the furniture business. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Uniroyal designs and manufactures plastic vinyl coated fabrics and plans to use the acquisition to tap into European markets.

The firm’s president, Howard F. Curd, said: “Rarely do we find two companies in the same industry that fit together so well as Uniroyal and Wardle Storeys. We are excited about the opportunities before us.”

In 2011 Wardle had sales of £38m. It is owned by a company called Gweco 478 whose largest shareholder is Wardle director Alun Hall.

Uniroyal was given legal advise by a team at the Manchester office of Brabners Chaffe Street. Led by partner Tony Harper, it included Tom Burton, Jamie Partridge, Claire Gregory, William Ngan, Paul Nicholls, Rachael Kirkup and Emily Mort.

Gary Houghton and Tom Pennington from Baker Tilly provided corporate finance advice to Uniroyal. Jon Kenworthy, Anna Hopper and Richard Blackburn of DLA Piper acted for the sellers.