French had support from mid-market private equity firm Primary Capital and now hopes to accelerate the company’s growth in various sectors related to the sign-making and print industries.
Plans are in place to invest in new equipment for the Metamark facilities in both Lancaster and Woking, as part of a wider strategy to increase the firm’s market share in the UK and pursue international expansion opportunities in regions around the world.
“We’re looking to the future with great optimism and with the benefit of having a business that’s among our industry’s most respected brands built on very solid fundamentals behind us,” French comments.
He adds: “We have some very exciting plans for Metamark. They will ensure that our growth continues on the upward trajectory we’ve established both in the UK and internationally.”
We’re looking to the future with great optimism and with the benefit of having a business that’s among our industry’s most respected brands built on very solid fundamentals behind us”
The buyout was headed up by French, Ian Simister and the senior management team at Metamark, who have led the business over the last five years, since the original owners opted to back away from the day-to-day operations.
During this period, the management team has been able to implement various projects in conjunction with the board, which in turn has resulted in doubling revenue and profits.
French adds: “We have a planned programme of further investment in capital plant to strengthen our manufacturing and conversion and we’ll be investing in people too so we can strengthen our team and reinforce our international stature. We’re taking our model to new markets too.
“Our technical leadership and service led ethics mean we can achieve scale in markets such as construction while growing opportunities in our established channels with new, product-led applications.”
We have a planned programme of further investment in capital plant to strengthen our manufacturing and conversion and we’ll be investing in people too so we can strengthen our team and reinforce our international stature”
Bateson, one of the founder shareholders at Metamark, also says: “After many years of building the company based in an entrepreneurial style and culture it is important to us that this legacy prevails in the hands of a proven management team in terms of both capability and style, being working together and supporting the brand to the benefit of our customers, staff and suppliers.
“We are delighted to have found an investment partner in Primary who share our values.”
Metamark has been one of the stand-out performers in both the sign-making and industries in recent years, due to the ongoing development of new products for various types of work.
The company remains committed to adding further options to its already expansive portfolio and under the continued leadership of French and his management team, this buyout could well prove to be one of the key turning points in the company’s history.
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