Engineering firm taken over by global group
Busch (UK) has acquired Halesowen-based Vacuum Furnace Engineering (VFE) for an undisclosed sum.
£16m-turnover VFE employs 89 people at Halesowen and Poole in the UK, and Singapore. The engineering business provides maintenance servicing for heat treatment industry equipment.
Busch Vacuum Solutions provides vacuum and overpressure technology worldwide. Its UK subsidiary is headquartered in Telford and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
David Byrne, chief executive of VFE, said: “Under Busch’s ownership, we look forward to serving our customers with extended product offerings, best practices and Busch’s global service network. This will maximise the value that we offer and will help more customers improve their operations.”
Tim Hulbert, managing director of Busch (UK), said: “2021 is our 50th anniversary in the UK and the acquisition of VFE marks a significant commitment by the Busch group to the UK market, ensuring we are well positioned for further long term service and growth.”
The corporate finance team at Crowe advised Busch on the takeover.
Andy Kay, corporate finance partner at Crowe, said: “This acquisition is strategically important for Busch in the UK, as it enhances the company’s service offering across the UK and internationally.
“This deal is the result of forward-thinking with an eye to the long term strategy of both companies and we were delighted to be able to advise Busch on this important acquisition.”
Hilary D’Cruz and Neil Jones of Staffordshire law firm Ansons also acted for Busch UK, with Arrowpoint Advisory and law firm Squire Patton Boggs advising VFE.
