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UK Dunedin Capital Partners acquires Hickson & Welch in £21m deal

UK Dunedin Capital Partners has led the acquisition of chemicals manufacturer Hickson & Welch from a subsidiary of US Arch Chemicals for £21m. The private equity firm provided £9m of equity and the balance was funded through debt facilities.

‘We are delighted to support this highly experienced management team to acquire Hickson & Welch,' said Nicol Fraser, investment director at Dunedin. ‘The business is well invested and has significant growth potential. Our investment will enable its ambitious and committed management team to pursue an effective growth strategy.'

Hickson & Welch specialises in organic chemistry. The company manufactures products such as agro-chemicals, pharmaceuticals and detergents and had sales of £40m in 2002.

‘Dunedin's investment in Hickson & Welch is excellent news for the company and its employees,' said John Markham, Hickson & Welch chief executive. ‘The manufacturing facilities on this site are state of the art and the ability to develop and produce sophisticated molecules is second to none. With Dunedin's backing we are well placed to expand our capabilities further for the benefit of our customers.'

Dunedin Capital is an independent private equity firm owned by its directors. It specialises in acquisitions with a transaction size of between £10m and £40m. The UK-based firm invests in the consumer and industrial products, support services, media, leisure, financial services and distribution sectors.

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