WORKWEAR COMPANIES PRIMED TO GO UP IN SIZE AFTER DOUBLE MBO

Two north west workwear companies are primed for growth under new ownership after a double management buyout.

Warrington-based distributor J & K Ross and manufacturing business Dale Techniche, which is based in Nelson, Lancashire, have nearly 50 staff in total and a combined turnover of £10m.

They have been acquired from the Ross family for an undisclosed sum by a management team led by Neil Wilcock.

A team at north west law firm Bermans, comprising corporate partners Charlotte Mills and Laura McMorland and solicitor Nathan Hughes, advised the management team on the double buyout.

J & K Ross, which was founded by Jean and Ken Ross in 1976, supplies safety workwear, protective and hi-vis clothing, uniforms and PPE to companies in sectors including utilities, logistics, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals.

At its Warrington facility, the business has a retail shop alongside its offices, warehousing, embroidery and printing operations.

The Ross family acquired Dale Techniche, which makes health and safety workwear, flame-retardant clothing, racewear and flight wear such as pilots’ uniforms, in 2003.

Following the deal, J & K Ross and Dale Techniche continue to trade as standalone businesses.

The buyout team alongside Neil comprises J & K Ross accounts and logistics director Sharon Sykes, the company’s purchasing manager Phil Taylor, customer experience manager Lisa Robinson and communications and IT manager Phill Moir-Riches, and Donna Emmott, the operations director at Dale Techniche.

Neil, who joined J & K Ross as a sales representative more than 30 years ago and has been managing director since 2020, said: “Both companies are really important names in their respective industries. It’s very much business as usual, and we look forward to serving the needs of our existing customers and new ones, and working with our trusted suppliers, for many more years while maintaining our high standards of service thanks to our dedicated and knowledgeable team.”

He added: “We have a great management team who understand the businesses well and we have exciting plans to expand, as there are strong growth opportunities for both companies.

“At J & K Ross, we will be looking to add to our product portfolio and expand into new sectors, bringing in additional staff to assist with our strategy.

“Dale Techniche is a sleeping giant and there is great scope to expand its customer base.

“The Ross family was keen that the businesses should be able to build on the extensive knowledge base of the senior staff and the wider team so, despite interest from other parties, they were keen to hand over ownership to the management and ensure there would be continuity. Our fantastic and loyal staff are all very happy with the outcome.”

Charlotte Mills said: “J & K Ross and Dale Techniche are terrific north west businesses with strong foundations and excellent reputations for their commitment to quality and customer service.

“The six-strong MBO team has around 140 years’ experience of working in the companies between them, and it was a genuine pleasure to guide them to completion.

“They were great to work with and I am confident that the management team will make a huge success of the acquisitions, powered by their enthusiasm and experience. They have an excellent platform for growth and I wish them every success.”

Close Brothers funded the deal. Kirsti Pinnell and Helen Mather at law firm Kuits, and Matt Beckley and Lewis Pearson at DJH Corporate Finance, advised the Ross family. Cole Associates provided corporate finance advice to the buyers.