French galvanising operations disposed of by Hill & Smith

Hill & Smith, the transport infrastructure group has disposed of its French galvanising and steel lighting column operations, France Galva.

The firm entered into a binding share purchase agreement with a consortium comprising of ZINQ France SAS and Sofigalva SAS in relation to the sale.

In July 2022, Hill & Smith announced the proposed disposal of France Galva as the forecast growth rates did not meet the firm’s long-term ambitions and its operating margins were below average.

Given the company’s galvanising operations serve local geographical markets, Hill & Smith said the disposal would have no impact on its higher growth, higher margin galvanising operations in the UK and US.