£24m turnover vehicle parts supplier acquired by global operator

Doncaster-based Juratek Ltd, a supplier of braking and suspension components, has been acquired by international counterpart Fras-Le .

Founded in 1995, Juratek has expanded to become a brand leader in the automotive & commercial vehicle parts distribution aftermarket, generating a turnover of £24.5m in the UK, Europe and beyond.

A management buyout in October 2019 lead by managing director Matt Robinson, was followed by the acquisition of Bradford-based parts supplier Bettaparts, and the opening of a depot in Northern Ireland in 2021.

Fras-le operates in the global automotive parts industry, bringing together a portfolio of well recognised products and brands.

It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of friction material, serving both Original Equipment and aftermarket. The company develops and manufactures products for cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, aviation and for the railway and industrial lines.

With units in Brazil, United States, China, Argentina, Uruguay, and India, it has 10 industrial plants, six distribution centres, four commercial offices, two technology and development centres and a team capable of serving customers in more than 120 countries on five continents. Since 1996, Fras-le has been part of Randon Companies.

As part of the Fras-Le expansion strategy, on 16 February 2023 a deal was signed to acquire 100% of the share capital of AML Juratek Limited and its subsidiaries. The deal will be completed within 30 days once compliance with conditions has been met.

Current directors Matt Robinson (MD), Mark Clegg (operations) and Toby Whewell (sales & marketing) will continue to be responsible for Juratek group sales and operations.

The acquisition of Juratek gives Fras-Le a footprint in the UK market and as Juratek has an established client base internationally, the European base of operations of Fras-Le will drive further growth within this section of the business.

Juratek explains that it has a dedicated and experienced management team who share the same values as those in Fras-Le.

It adds that this partnership enhances the strategies of both organisations while at the same time providing further opportunities to improve efficiencies throughout the supply chain and creates additional sourcing opportunities.

Robinson said: “I’m pleased to agree to the acquisition of AML Juratek by Fras-le. We have experienced tremendous growth in the past eight years, and we have exciting plans for the future.

“This deal gives us the synergies and strength to expand on these plans and to also aggressively pursue new opportunities. I am looking forward to guiding the company in the next exciting phase of its history.”

Fras-Le’s managing director, Anderson Pontalti, said: “This movement is part of our strategy of expanding the business in the aftermarket sector, inserting the company in mature markets such as the European one, through product diversification and brand expansion in the portfolio.”

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