Orbis advises Italian International Group on UK acquisition
Orbis Partners has advised Lucart S.p.A. (“Lucart”), a leading Italian headquartered manufacturer of MG paper, tissue and airlaid on the acquisition of Essential Supply Products Limited (“ESP”), the UK’s leading independent manufacturer of professional hygiene products. Orbis which is UK Partner in Clairfield International advised Lucart, working closely with the Clairfield Partner office in Milan.
ESP, which has a turnover of over £25m, was founded in 1990, and is based in Malvern, Worcestershire, operating from a modern manufacturing facility with 85 employees.
Whilst the two companies have known and traded with each other for some time, the acquisition of ESP represents the next step in Lucart’s development and internationalisation strategy, further consolidating its position as a primary player in the European Away from Home hygiene products market.
Founded in 1953 by the Pasquini family, Lucart operates in the Business to Business, Away from Home and Consumer markets, employing some 1,600 staff across nine European production plants and an Italian logistics centre. Group turnover is in excess of €500m per annum.
We are grateful for the contribution of the whole advisory team that worked together with us on this transaction. In particular, the integrated Clairfield advisory team from Milan and Orbis in the UK was extremely constructive in the advice it provided throughout the process.
Sandro Pasquini, Head of Strategy & Corporate Development
The acquisition of ESP provides Lucart the UK based platform to further develop its European strategy. This transaction further demonstrates our experience in advising on cross-border deals working closely with our Partners in Clairfield.
