Anopol MBO is Deal of the Month
THE deal which saw Birmingham metal finishing firm Anopol taken over in a management buy-out (MBO) has been chosen as our Deal of the Month for September.
In a quiet month for deals the Anopol transaction stood out because it suggests exciting times ahead for this go-ahead and innovative manufacturing business.
Last November Anopol – which has a turnover of £3.5m – developed an innovative piece of equipment to boost its chances of doing business with the burgeoning medical technology sector.
Anopol’s ‘stent jig’ allows delicate stents to be electropolished in one single operation, improving productivity time while reducing rejection rates.
And post-deal the firm is understood to be looking at possible acquisitions and at establishing a presence in India and/or China.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, saw brothers John and Brian Swain, who founded the original company in 1969, selling their shares to Anopol Group Limited, a company controlled by the MBO team comprising David Cass, Adrian Dallaway and Philip Spears.
Anopol specialises in chemical and electrochemical surface treatments, mainly for stainless steels. Its clients include Bentley and Williams F1.
The buyers were advised on the deal by accountants Michael Dufty Partnership and law firm Hawkins Hatton. The purchase was supported and financially assisted by Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking in Birmingham.
The vendors were represented by accountants Michael Kay & Company and law firm Higgs & Sons.
TheBusinessDesk.com editor Andy Coyne said: “Businesses that develop products and processes which could take them into new markets or sectors are always worth watching and Anopol’s stent jig gives it an excellent chance of breaking into the medtech industry.
“This self-contained West Midlands team brought together local advisers and funders and allows a dynamic and energised MBO team the chance to take this business on to another level.
“Such businesses are the future of this region and the news that the firm is already looking to expand through acquisition or overseas trade shows what a difference a deal can make.”
