MBO at long-established blade making business

Featherstone-based Dakin-Flathers, the world’s largest carbon bandsaw and bandknife blade manufacturer, has undergone a management buyout, supported by Park Place, Clarion, and BHP.

Founded in 1931, the privately-owned business supplies blades for various industries including furniture production, engineering, food processing, foam production and timber processing.

With a headcount of 65, and turnover of £12m, Dakin-Flathers has grown significantly in recent years, and now services clients in more than 100 different countries.

The MBO will be key to the firm’s continued success, as the new management team look to capitalise on the manufacturing sector’s positive signs of growth.

While Oliver Garside has stepped down as managing director and owner, he will remain a shareholder within the business, providing guidance to the new management team.

The new owners are Carl Jukes, managing director, Lee Barker, operations director, Paul Greenley, sales director, and Stuart Dykes, financial director – who together have more than 30 years’ combined experience at Dakin Flathers.

The MBO was the culmination of a long-term succession planning strategy, developed with guidance from Park Place.

Jukes said: “We’re excited by the opportunities which lie ahead. This change brings a fresh wave of innovation and drive for success. Building upon strong foundations, we’re set for an exciting journey to elevate our business to the next level.

Tim Simpson, partner at Park Place, added:“Dakin-Flathers is a prime example of a successful Yorkshire businesses with global reach.

“We know the new owners will do an incredible job to drive the business forward and wish them the best of luck on this journey.”

The advisory team was led by Tim Simpson and Hector Simpson from corporate finance advisers Park Place and included Jonathan Simms, Nicola Cooper and Rebecca Walters from Clarion’s corporate team and Andrew Curtis from Clarion’s banking and finance team.

The tax advisors were Fletcher Adamowicz and Ryan Wilkinson from BHP.