Further growth for Christeyns on the back of two successful acquisitions
FOLLOWING the merger and strategic acquisitions of Klenzan and Alex Reid, 2014 is set to be a year of further growth for detergents and chemicals manufacturer Christeyns UK.
In August 2012, Bradford-based Christeyns acquired a 50% stake in industrial hygiene solution provider Klenzan, allowing the company to break further into manufacturing for the food, dairy and brewing sectors. Later that year in December 2012, the manufacturer also bought 100% of the shares in Alex Reid, a supplier of chemicals, consumables and machines to the dry cleaning sector, in order to strengthen its position in the textile care sector.
Managing director, Nick Garthwaite, said: “We undertook a program of strategic growth, acquiring shares in two firms that allowed us to expand into new areas and to strengthen our position in key markets. We are now one full year post both acquisitions and, following the successful merger of operations, have doubled in size from a £22m turnover standalone business to a £46m one and increased our staff numbers from 110 to 220.
“The plan for the next twelve months is to continue to maximise the opportunities the two acquisitions have presented us with, taking advantages of increased purchasing power and improved logistics, as well as lessons of best practice from each acquired business. We also expect to see a significant level of organic growth as a result of new contracts wins.
“We maintain our commitment to keeping our manufacturing sites at Rutland Street and Eastwood Street and in 2014 we are embarking on a programme on improving our manufacturing capabilities to maximise further growth next year and beyond as well as strengthening the region’s manufacturing presence and contribution to the local economy.”
Rob Burton, corporate finance director, at Mazars, which works with Christeyns, said: “Christeyns ambitious growth plans coupled with the successful takeovers and mergers of Klenzan and Alex Reid, mean that the company is heading for even greater success over the coming twelve months.
“The foresight and determination of its senior management team has meant that the company is well placed to achieve further growth and market penetration, which is positive not only for the company but for Yorkshire’s manufacturing industry as a whole.”
The Christeyns Group started in 1946 as a small-scale family business and has grown today to be an international firm consisting of six divisions: Laundry Technology, Chemicals, Institutional, Construction Chemicals, Food Hygiene and Consumer Detergents. Based out of Gent in Belgium the group employs about 500 people in companies spread across 20 countries. Its UK head office is based out of two premises in Bradford on Rutland Street and Eastwood Street.
