Access products giant snaps up windows and doors supplier

Swedish access products group, ASSA ABLOY, has acquired Doncaster-headquartered Senior Architectural Systems (SAS).

SAS is an independent supplier of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems to the commercial construction sector in the UK. It was established in 1991 and has about 150 employees.

It joins the global operations of ASSA ABLOY, with 63,000 staff and products such as mechanical and digital locks, cylinders, keys, tags, security doors and automated entrances.

In the UK, ASSA ABLOY is best known for the Yale and UNION brands and has its head office and main manufacturing centre in Willenhall.

Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY said: “I am very pleased to welcome SAS to ASSA ABLOY. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to add complementary products and solutions to our core business.”

Neil Vann, executive vice president of ASSA ABLOY and head of the EMEIA Division said: “SAS is an exciting addition to our UK business, and I am happy to welcome the team to ASSA ABLOY.

“SAS offers an innovative and high-quality range of window and door profile systems including market leading thermally efficient technology.

“Their portfolio will further extend the ASSA ABLOY offering in the commercial OEM market in the UK.”

Corporate finance firm, Clearwater, advised the shareholders of SAS on its sale to ASSA ABLOY.

Mark Wadsworth, managing director at SAS said: “We are pleased to join ASSA ABLOY and combine our heritage as one of the leading UK aluminium fenestration systems suppliers with ASSA ABLOY’s international scale and world-leading brand and technology in access solutions.

“This is an exciting next step in our journey, creating opportunities to enhance our offering through the complementary capabilities of both businesses and ultimately achieving our growth ambitions.

“Clearwater has been an excellent and trusted adviser to us from start to finish.

“From the outset, it was essential for us to find the right home for Senior Architectural Systems and Michael, James and the team at Clearwater had a clear plan for the process, which ultimately led to the sale of the business to ASSA ABLOY Group.”

James Malcharek, director at Clearwater added: “It has been a pleasure working with SAS and the senior management team led by Mark Wadsworth on what is a transformational transaction in the sector.

“SAS is a fantastic business and a leader within the UK fenestration market, underpinned by innovative, energy efficient solutions.

“The combination with ASSA ABLOY is an exciting next step in the journey and will act as a catalyst for their next phase of growth.”