Black Country law firm advises on steel firms deal

STEEL components manufacturer Kirkby Steel Tubes has acquired Greater Manchester firm Hilmar Tubes.

Kirkby, part of the Walsall-based Watts Clift Holdings Group, supplies a range of industries including the automotive and oil sectors.

Hilmar was sold by shareholders Brian Oliver and Graham Hirst for an undisclosed sum.

Kirkby was advised by Brierley Hill-based law firm Higgs & Sons.

Kirkby’s managing director Patrick Doyle said: “Our business strategy is to look continually for new opportunities to satisfy our customers’ needs more completely.”

The deal was fast moving but the Higgs corporate team, led by Nick Taylor and supported by Jamie Partington, was able to turn it around within the tight deadlines set.

Taylor said: “We were delighted to act for KST on this transaction, which, in Hilmar, saw it acquire a company with a similarly rich heritage and strong values.

“The deal had to move to a tight timeframe but a great result was achieved, securing a number of jobs for the future in the process.”