DENMAUR Independent Papers has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire the business and assets of the Fine Paper and Conversion division (incorporating Vision Paper and Board) from Middleton Paper Company, with completion scheduled for mid-July.
Denmaur added that Middleton’s staff will continue to operate from their location in Walsall and the Middleton brands will also remain under the new ownership.
The deal represents Denmaur’s first acquisition since Harry E Gould Jr. took a majority shareholding in the company in 2019.
Denmaur chairman Harry E Gould Jr said, “We are acquiring an on-going and profitable operation in Middleton, and although a slightly different business model, the combined strengths and differences of the two companies will generate added value and a unique opportunity for the UK paper and board market going forward.”
Denmaur specialises in the supply of paper for the publishing, commercial print and carton board sectors.
Middleton has made its name largely through conversion services in the graphic paper and board market, with the introduction of a merchanting arm, Vision, in more recent years.
Mike Gee, CEO of Denmaur, added, “This takes me back to my roots, before we started Denmaur, when I worked alongside Jean Stanley at M6 Paper who were then a very successful merchanting and conversion company. Jean is now part of the Denmaur team and will no doubt share our excitement of sales and conversion coming together again.”
MD Nick Gee commented, “Denmaur and Middleton share the ethos of a family-owned business as well as a tremendous respect for employee commitment, which has been instrumental to the success of both companies. The acquisition adds another facet to our business, allowing us to provide making sizes of paper and board to our customer base with short lead-times.
“We have worked with Middleton for many years and recognise the quality of the conversion services they offer, it is a perfect fit that will enable us to provide a further enhanced service package to both our and their customer bases.”
Jason Middleton, MD of Middleton Paper, stated, “Having led the team of dedicated people who have grown our Fine Paper and Conversion Division for over 35 years, I am excited to see the progress we will make during the next phase of this operation’s development. We will all continue to enjoy secure, independent ownership that fully supports the proactive and progressive management team that I will be joining.”
