Laundry and hygiene specialist completes landmark cross-border acquisition

Christeyns UK, a Bradford-based international laundry and hygiene specialist, has completed its acquisition of Gannon Chemicals, based in Claremorris, Ireland.

The deal provides a firm footing to further build Christeyns’ Irish business and forms part of the firm’s strategic plans to become a market leader in its fields of operation.

Dave Aveyard, who takes up the position of managing director for Christeyns Operations in Ireland, said: “We are pleased to conclude this strategically important acquisition of Gannon Chemicals.

“Christeyns already has a strong presence in Ireland with business in the Food and Beverage, Commercial Laundry, Hospitality and Construction sectors and this acquisition will provide us with a manufacturing and warehouse base as well as increasing our share of the cleaning and hygiene market.

“Our goal is to become the dominant player within Ireland and this acquisition is a key step in achieving this ambition.”

Gannon Chemicals was founded in 1972 and supplies hygiene products to businesses across a number of sectors with an established reputation in the hospitality and food and beverage sectors.

A family-run business headed by Paul Gannon, the firm is a producer of sustainable cleaning solutions and performance measurement systems.

Paul Gannon said: “The coming together of Christeyns and Gannon is great news for our customers and employees.

“The combined strength of our heritage and the huge portfolio and technical expertise Christeyns possesses will position the newly combined business as the supplier of choice.”

Gannon will transfer with the business and continue his leadership role.

Neil Jones, managing director for Christeyns UK & Ireland, added: “We are thrilled to conclude this acquisition which demonstrates our commitment to growth and investment in Ireland which we believe will bring benefits for our customers, our partner distributors and our employees.”

Christeyns UK is part of the global Christeyns group with headquarters in Ghent, Belgium, producing solutions both chemical and technical for the laundry and commercial hygiene sectors across the world. The group employs over 1,100 staff and has a turnover of over 280m euros.