US firm swoops for catering and refrigeration specialist

Warwickshire-based commercial kitchen and refrigeration component supplier Oxford Hardware has been acquired by a US company.

Kason Industries has swooped for Oxford Hardware, a leading component supplier to the commercial catering and refrigeration industry.

Kason Industries, Inc, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest suppliers of hardware and components for refrigeration, foodservice and industrial equipment.

After a working partnership of many years, the acquisition enables Kason to cement its UK presence as leader in the sector.

The shareholders of Oxford Hardware brought in the West Midlands Corporate Finance team from advisory firm Bishop Fleming to advise on the deal.

Bishop Fleming’s corporate finance partner, Charles Davey, said: “I am delighted to have delivered this transaction for the vendors. They have built up a market leading brand in Oxford Hardware since their launch in 2001, and Kason Industries provides an ideal partner to deliver the next stage of its development. We had a deliberate strategy to ensure that the Company was prepared for the transition of ownership and with Kason, we know that we have found the perfect long-term partner for the company.”

Roxburgh Milkins provided legal advice to the shareholders of Oxford Hardware.

Partner Jason Milkins said: “We very much enjoyed getting to know Oxford Hardware, preparing the company for a transaction and ultimately being able to help David achieve his desired exit strategy”. David Cleave will continue to work for Oxford Hardware for several years.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys provided legal advice to Kason Industries Inc.