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Request a meeting...Julie Palmer - Regional Managing Partner | February 18th 2008
More News by Julie PalmerDate Published: 18th February 2008
Managing director Michael Earnshaw led the purchase of WB White Foundry Ltd in Brighouse from founders Bob Pearson and David James, for an undisclosed seven-figure sum backed by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).
L to R: Andrew Walls, Michael Earnshaw (MD, WB White Foundry), Pete Smith (RBS)
He is joined by operations director Richard Taylor, commercial director Paul Owens and finance director Peter Fox in the deal that was structured by BTG McInnes Corporate Finance and sees 100 percent of the equity sold to the new management team.
Mr Earnshaw said: “We have big plans for WB White and as a team we have been given the opportunity to commit to its future. We have a fantastic staff of skilled workers, and our reputation for innovation, value and quality is a great platform from which to grow the business.”
The company that employs 40 staff was established in 1991 in the former Dominion Foundry, Brighouse, by 50 percent shareholder Bob Pearson. Fellow shareholder David James joined in 1992, and has also sold his 50 percent stake in the company.
Specialising in high quality metal castings WB White supplies the engineering, automotive, construction, retail and print sectors. The firm’s ASF division, launched in the Nineties, produces street furniture including bollards, railings, benches and tree grills.
Andrew Walls of BTG McInnes commented: “This is a really solid business with an experienced management team, consistent growth and a diverse and growing customer base. The improved profitability predicted by the new owners should be achievable, through a combination of new product lines and closer trading operations between the two divisions.”
Peter Smith from RBS provided senior debt facilities and John Moors of RBS Invoice Finance provided working capital facilities in a funding package designed to support further growth of the company.
Peter Smith, associate director, Structured Debt Solutions at RBS said: “It is great to be involved with a traditional local business which has enjoyed sustained profitability despite the threat of competition from overseas.
“Since the threat of such competition has materialised the company has continued to grow which is testament to the quality and efficiency of the business and its products. We look forward to a long and successful relationship supporting the business in a new era,” he added.
Lester Wilson of Watson Burton provided legal advice to the management team.
Julie is a law graduate who qualified with Price Waterhouse in 1994. Julie joined Smith & Williamson in 1997 and became a partner in 2001. With Mike Stevenson, Julie set up Middleton Partners offices in Salisbury and Southampton, both of which are now part of Begbies Traynor.
Julie is a member of the Insolvency Practitioners Association and is a Fellow of The Association of Business Recovery Professionals. Julie deals with all aspects of Corporate Recovery and turnaround work and takes all form of personal insolvency appointments.
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