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Effipap Ltd

Effipap Ltd has been sold to solid fuel and gas products supplier Fuel Express in a deal overseen by Daniel DiMarco, KBS Corporate Deal Executive.

Established in 2016, Effipap initially traded as a distribution business, delivering leaflets and telephone directories throughout the UK.

In 2020, the owners sought to expand the Wiltshire-based company by directly marketing, retailing and distributing solid fuel materials under a variety of brand names, with a focus on wood pellets and kiln-dried firewood.

Fuel Express, based in Wakefield, sells its own branded products including lumpwood charcoal, heat logs, barbecue briquettes, salt for paths and driveways and screenwash, as well as Calor gas canisters.

Kirsty Poynton, KBS Senior Document Writer, underscored the most appealing aspects of Effipap when preparing the marketing portfolio for the opportunity.

“Effipap’s brands and established, nationwide customer network provided a strong focal point for the documentation,” said Kirsty.

“With the company having diversified into the marketing, retailing and distribution of solid fuel materials in 2020, I was able to build upon its considerable progression by highlighting a wealth of development opportunities which utilised the vast asset register and industry connections already in place.”

A synergistic buyer appeared a natural fit for Effipap and that is exactly what came to pass, with Fuel Express offering a complementary service.

“The buyer has purchased the company for his son-in-law, who was already in the process of running a small fuel business,” explained Daniel DiMarco.

“This acquisition will enable them to grow their client base and progress their business forwards through acquisition, rather than having to invest into their existing company and grow organically over the next few years.”

Shazaman Ali, KBS Corporate Senior Research Analyst who managed the sale’s outreach process, added: “KBS has a proven track record of successful deals with similar operating businesses, and this transaction stands out as one of the quickest handovers to date.

“Effipap instantly piqued the interest of private equity firms and trade buyers when it entered the market.

“Given recent government changes in the UK and Europe, the demand for Effipap products is poised to grow, making it a sustainable, long-term business with a solid foundation.”

Abrasives For Industry Ltd and Right Lines Ltd

Tool parts suppliers Abrasives For Industry Ltd and Right Lines Ltd have been sold in a deal overseen by Will Griffiths, KBS Corporate Deal Executive.

Trading under the names of Abrasives World and Right Lines, the companies are direct mail order and online sellers of abrasive technology products including drill bits, metal cutting devices, sanding discs and polishing products.

Company directors Richard and Julia Robbins were looking to retire and have duly done so thanks to the sale of the businesses to the Premium Tools Group Ltd, based in Baildon, West Yorkshire.

The respective product ranges complement those of the acquirer which trades under the name of Rowland Tools, also a specialist in lubrication equipment, inspection tools and clamping tools.

Describing the acquisition market appeal of Abrasives For Industry and Right Lines, Will Griffiths said: “Intellectual property held within their own brand is certainly attractive.

“It was a smooth transaction with both parties achieving what they were looking for.”

Agri-Gem Limited

Agri-Gem Ltd, the largest independent supplier of ground-care products to the amenity sector, has been acquired by an Irish buyer with the help of KBS Corporate.

The Dublin-based buyer, Origin Enterprises, is a group that focuses on improving agricultural outcomes through crop technologies and inputs. The acquisition will enhance the group’s global presence by reinforcing its strength within the UK market.

Agri-Gem Ltd, based in Lincoln and which trades under the Agrigem brand, instructed KBS Corporate to implement a diverse research strategy to source a buyer that was not only the right fit, but would also enable the company to continue its growth trajectory and support the existing management team.

Managing director Kieran Would said: “I am thrilled to be joining the industry leader, Origin. There are various challenges currently facing our industry and to have a strategic partner like Origin will allow us to navigate these and continue to find niche opportunities.

“We have always had an appetite for growth, and to have a parent company which understands this and can also facilitate this is a key driver for Agri-Gem going forwards.

“We have dealt with Origin as a supplier for many years and have enjoyed a good relationship along the way. Origin’s core values align with my own – their commitment to the amenity sector and their people is evident. This cemented in my mind that they were the only company suitable for the Agri-Gem business for the future.”

Origin Enterprises managing director Chris Clark said: “Agri-Gem is an excellent fit for Origin to broaden our product range for our existing customers, as well as entry into new markets that Agri-Gem currently serve.

“Investment in this sector is a key priority for the group as we broaden our offering in sustainable green spaces. We are delighted to welcome the Agri-Gem team to the Origin Group and look forward to working together.”

Tom Eatough, Corporate Director at KBS Corporate, led the transaction.