Tolbest acquired by PHD Industrial Holdings

Tolbest, a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial dyes, has been sold to investment firm PHD Industrial Holdings in a transaction advised by KBS Corporate.

Founded in 1989 and based in Warrington, Tolbest mixes, blends and packages its products in-house, including drain tracing and waste food dyes, rodent tracking dust and spray pattern indicators.

The company has a client network spanning the UK and several European countries in sectors including environmental engineering, utilities, food processing and pest control.

Tolbest now moves forward as part of PHD, also Warrington-based and which acquires SMEs across the speciality chemicals, manufacturing & assembly, and luxury travel sectors.

PHD previously acquired a wheels, castors and materials handling solutions company, BIL Group, through KBS.

This acquisition strengthens PDH’s speciality chemicals division and means the group can now enter new markets where colour additives are essential for waste food, drainage monitoring and water treatment applications, deepening its industry presence.

James Clews, managing director of Technikraft, another PHD portfolio company, will join Tolbest’s board to support Keith Vickers, director of Tolbest, and its continued growth.

Lesley Pitchford, Managing Director of Tolbest who instructed KBS to preside over the exit process, said: “Having become one of the largest suppliers of chemical dyes and tracing powders, joining a group of similar specialists allows us to thrive within a wider group structure.

“The PHD team were incredibly supportive, enabling a seamless transition away from the business. Ensuring the right exit after so many years was a top priority for me, and I feel confident leaving the business in PHD’s capable hands.”

Philip Price, director at PHD Industrial Holdings, commented: “Lesley and Keith have done a fantastic job running the business over recent years.

“It was clear when we looked to expand the capabilities of our speciality chemicals division that it was a perfect fit for us, with a culture and market offering consistent with our other businesses.

“Investing in such an industry-leading firm allows us to enter new markets seamlessly, while providing the support Tolbest needs to reach its next stage of growth.

“I’m looking forward to working with Keith and seeing where we can take this business next.”

Oliver Rigby, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, who advised on the transaction, expressed his thanks to the legal team at AG Corporate Law for their work which contributed to the deal’s successful conclusion.