Acquisitive property group buys sash windows business
Leeds-based RFM Group, a growing property group specialising in construction, facilities management and maintenance, has acquired Ventrolla a wooden sash window repair, manufacturing and installation business.
It has bought the company for an undisclosed sum from ERA Home Security Limited a supplier of engineered components to the UK door and window industry.
Ventrolla provides repair, restoration and replacement services for wooden sash windows.
With factories in Harrogate and London totalling over 30,000 square feet, it operates nationwide and has sold over 100,000 sash windows. Ventrolla employs 75 staff across both its sites, who will all transfer as part of the deal.
It was founded in 1983 by Robert Tunnicliffe, a former engineer for Ford Motors, who pioneered and patented the company’s ‘Perimeter Sealing’ and ‘Sash Removal’ systems.
Tunnicliffe turned his hand to draught-proofing sash windows after finding it increasingly difficult to keep his home warm during the colder months.
Using his expertise at Ford he developed the first perimeter sealing system and installed it himself.
Following the acquisition, RFM has announced plans to invest in both a new showroom and a training academy at Ventrolla’s Harrogate headquarters.
Ian Flanagan, RFM Group CEO, said: “Ventrolla’s craftsmanship and modern engineering complement RFM Group’s world-class technology and property expertise.
“Their quality products and the high esteem in which both customers and the industry hold them is second to none.
“Alongside their talented team, I see great potential to develop their offering further by utilising RFM’s robust processes and smart technology.”
Jarrod Marchant, Ventrolla managing director, added: “RFM Group’s level of technology and appetite for growth is refreshing, it is fantastic to be part of a truly integrated property company.
“Capitalising on our 21st century machining and traditional handcrafted skills, we look forward to building on Ventrolla’s 37-year history.”
RFM Group was advised by Chris Silverwood of Harrogate-based corporate finance advisors, CorpFin, with legal support provided by Adrian Ballam of Wardhadaway.
Chris Silverwood, CorpFin corporate financier, said: “Even in these challenging times, M&A transactions are continuing to be completed and this transaction was a particularly satisfying one to get away as it was on our home turf.
“I am sure that under the ownership of the RFM Group that Ventrolla will go from strength-to-strength.”
ERA Home Security Limited was advised by Will Arnold and John O’Gara of corporate finance advisors, Sentio Partners, with legal support provided by Guy Hopson of Hopson Solicitors.
The purchase of Ventrolla is RFM Group’s third acquisition in 12 months with other deals currently in discussion.
It follows RFM’s recent purchase of the Leeds-based Hevertech brand earlier this year and the acquisition of Ashlynn (Yorkshire) Ltd which became part of the RFM Group in 2019.
RFM Group continues to expand and is actively looking for more suitable businesses to join its growing stable of companies.
