Historic equipment specialist sold to rival
ONE of Yorkshire’s oldest manufacturing businesses has been sold in a multi-million pound deal.
Specialist equipment supplier to the water and sewage industries, Adams of York, which was founded 120 years ago, has been sold by its owner to competitor, Ham Baker, of Stoke, for “a substantial but undisclosed sum”.
The deal was triggered after Adams of York chairman and sole shareholder Richard Wood, decided to sell his interests in the Adams Group which he has held for more than 18 years.
He was advised by York-based accountants and business advisors JWPCreers and law firm Blacks, of Leeds.
Ham Baker is now merging its operations nationally with Adams Hydraulics, the operational division of Adams of York.
New managing director of Adams Hydraulics, Stewart Bailie, who has been appointed by Ham Baker, said: “Both Ham Baker and Adams Hydraulics have a strong presence in the industry with many of the world’s largest water and wastewater companies among our customers.
“Although Ham Baker has grown organically, we also have a strong tradition of driving the business forward through mergers and acquisitions. The latest, Adams Hydraulics, is a natural fit due to its vast experience and we look forward to working with its team.”
Adams Hydraulics, which was founded in 1885 and incorporated in 1903, was acquired in 1990 and moved to a purpose-built manufacturing and assembly facility in Clifton Moor, York, the following year.
The company, which has a £17m turnover, has more than 100 staff, an engineering office in Wath-upon-Dearne and a glass reinforced plastics manufacturing unit in Scunthorpe. It will continue to operate from its Yorkshire base after the acquisition.
The business, which operates almost entirely within the UK, designs and manufactures equipment including penstocks, distributors and scrapers, for the water and sewage industries.
Ham Baker, which has UK bases in Stoke and Manchester, also has a presence in The Middle East and the USA and a similar product range. Its customers include Yorkshire Water.
Corporate finance partner at JWPCreers, Tony Farmer, said: “This significant sale is good news for York as it protects skilled manufacturing jobs.
“Both Adams Hydraulics and Ham Baker are highly regarded in their field. The sale helps Ham Baker by giving it access to vital facilities in the north, an experienced workforce, the specialised GRP division and in-house design facility which will be of substantial benefit as it continues to grow.”
Richard Wood is to continue with his other business and charitable interests in the York area.
