Global leader in access solutions unlocks market growth with acquisition

Arran Isle, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of door and window hardware has been sold to ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions headquartered in Stockholm, for an undisclosed sum.

The deal which is subject to regulatory approval, will see the business, which last year recorded sales of circa £100m and employs 560 people join ASSA ABLOY’s EMEIA division. With Arran Isle’s s Carlisle Brass and Mila brands both being highly complementary to ASSA ABLOY’S existing operations and will enable it business extend its product and service offering in the residential and commercial market in the UK and Ireland.

Alongside its Bradford headquarters Arran Isle’s operations include manufacturing and distribution sites in the UK, Ireland, Europe and China, with the firm confirming that operations will continue to trade from existing locations, with no changes in the foreseeable future to management teams or operational activities. The group’s Mila’s Maintenance business unit, based in Barnsley has also been confirmed it will become part of ASSA ABLOY’S commercial construction and maintenance sector.

This latest deal for Arran Isle comes three years after the business divested its US operations to Patrick Industries Inc. This sale marks the end of a journey for the firm’s shareholders which started in 2013 with an MBO of the group.

Neil Vann, executive vice president of ASSA ABLOY and head of EMEIA division, added: “Arran Isle is an excellent addition to our business and in particular EMEIA’s UK and Ireland market region. The acquisition brings well-known architectural and fenestration hardware brands to our portfolio. Arran Isle have built a reputation developing innovative products and a market leading approach to customer service with a passionate and experienced team.”

Arran Isle’s shareholders were advised by Clearwater International, with the deal being the latest within the building products space, a sector in which Clearwater International is continuing to see strong interest from both international strategic acquirers and private equity.

Martin Wardhaugh, CEO of Arran Isle, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the Clearwater International team who played a full part in delivering a very good outcome for our shareholders. Right from the beginning of our relationship, everyone in the Arran Isle team sensed with every interaction, their professionalism, competence, and experience in dealing with transactions of this size. We established a positive chemistry between our teams and worked collaboratively through all the challenges that arose producing good solutions every time. We felt that Clearwater was alongside us every step of the way.”

The Clearwater International team consisted of Partners Jon Hustler, Michael Loudon and Rob Britton, Associate Director Mike Slater, Senior Associate Richard Corrie and Executive Thomas Hickey.

Michael Loudon, partner at Clearwater International, said: “It has been a pleasure to support the Arran Isle team in finding the right strategic partner and delivering an excellent result for all shareholders. Arran Isle has been on an impressive growth journey, and we have no doubt that both businesses will continue to thrive under this new partnership.”